The Swiss company, Fromm, is among the leading manufacturers of strapping tools in the world. The steel strapping product range produced by Fromm is incomparable due to the continuous research and development undertaken. Fromm produces a range of steel strapping products which are both manual and pneumatic depending on the work load and the application of the packaging. The manual tools produced by Fromm to be used in the steel strapping industry are ideal for smaller objects and are best used in operations on smaller surfaces. The pneumatic steel strapping tools, on the other hand, are better used for faster and more efficient results. These tools are ideal for larger workload, especially in an operational and shift setup.
In recent times, there has been debate about the choice between battery operated and pneumatic tools for the steel strapping industry. Like the A480 by Fromm, a popular pneumatic strapping tool for steel, pneumatic tools are rapidly gaining popularity in the strapping industry. The A480 and other pneumatic strapping tools produced by Fromm are preferred for the greater efficiency, longer life, greater productivity and the versatility of these tools. The one advantage that the battery operated tools seem to have over pneumatic tools like the A480 is that they are lighter and offer more convenience in mobility of operations. To offer a more objective perspective of the advantages and disadvantages of battery operated tools and pneumatic tools, they may be compared based on the following aspects:
Charging and Battery Life
Most strapping tool users are still under the impression left behind by the lifespan of the older nickel cadmium and metal hydride batteries. The real story with today’s technology is however different. The usage of lithium ion batteries have put battery operated tools at par with pneumatic tools like the A480.
Concerns with Size of the Tool
The common perception that the size of the tool defines the effectiveness of the tool and the power that it can generate are no longer true; especially not in certain industries. The choice here is wholly defined by the use and applicability of the tools. Battery operated tools to a large extent now compare with pneumatic tools. It is true though that beyond the power of half inch air impact; pneumatic tools are still the more viable option.
Irrespective of all the arguments for and against pneumatic tools like the A480, the final decision depends on the applicability, cost of purchase, and the functionality of the tool.