Power Tools Category Winner
DCH 300 electric diamond cutters
Hilti
Key Innovation: Low profile arbor that allows a 12-inch blade to cut nearly as deep as a 14-inch blade. The counter-clockwise rotation of the blade aids in dust collection by moving the dust away from the operator.
The Hilti DCH 300 Electric Cutter was specifically designed for cutting concrete with a powerful 2.6-kw motor that spins the diamond blade in the same direction as a wood-cutting circular saw, allowing for better control as operators push the saw into the cut. It can also cut steel by utilizing abrasive blades. Using its innovative low profile arbor, the DCH 300 and a 12-inch blade will cut to a depth of 4.7 inches. Cutting almost as deep as a 14-inch blade on a traditional saw, the DCH 300 with its integrated dust hood and retractable depth gauge aids in unparallelled performance. For dust-sensitive applications such as cutting indoors or in occupied spaces, the new and compact self-cleaning VC 20U or VC 40U vacuum cleaners can easily be attached. The DCH 300 also features Hilti Smart Power, an intelligent electronic control system that constantly regulates motor power to suit the material being cut and the pressure being applied to the tool. Also, it is suited for cutting concrete, granite curbstones, slabs, bricks, metal beams, steel pipes and more.
RER: What makes the DCH 300 electric diamond cutters innovative?
Frank Hieronymus, Sr. product manager, diamond business unit, Hilti: The DCH 300 is an electric tool specifically designed for cutting. The rear handle, similar to a worm-drive circular saw, is in line with the blade and designed for pushing, optimizing operator pressure and handling. The spin of the blade is opposite that of most current tools on the market, creating a “push” tool rather than a “pull” tool. And the guarding/blade attachment/head design provides a deeper depth of cut for a given size blade.
RER: are the benefits of the DCH 300 electric diamond cutters? How does it make jobs more effective and efficient for rental professionals and their contractor customers?
Hieronymus: The DCH 300 is significantly lighter and smaller than gas saws, making it easier and more comfortable to handle. And obviously the issues associated with a gas motor are eliminated. Compared with an angle grinder modified for cutting applications, the DCH 300, with its in-line handle design, provides better control. In conjunction with the “push” design, this results in a tool that is easier to work with, tends to force a full depth-of-cut to reduce the need to back up and repeat cuts, directs debris away from the operator, and creates straighter cuts. These features all add up to a tool that is safer and more productive for the operator, making it easier to do a good job.
RER: Describe the development process of the DCH 300 electric diamond cutters. Where did the idea come from and who was responsible for its engineering and development?
Hieronumus: The tool was developed in the Hilti R+D center in Kaufering, Germany. The process involved customer feedback every step of the way for the 3½ years to develop, test and bring this tool to market. Initially there was market research to identify the need and develop direction and ideas. This was follow by a CAT test (customer acceptance test), where a rough prototype was shown to customers to gauge their reaction. Based on the customer feedback the tool was further refined. For example customers clearly told us that dust control was mandatory for any future tool. Finally a field test was conducted mid last year to evaluate the quality and find any hidden issues. The tool then went into production and was finally launched in North America (U.S. and Canada) in August 2008.
