MONTIPOWER вступила в CAS-ALLIANCE

This post records the announcement, explains what the Cordless Alliance System is, and sets out what CAS membership means for surface preparation at height, in confined spaces and on sites without power.

Cordless, a contractor’s delight

During the press conference of 8 December 2020, Frits Doddema, CEO of the Monti Group, explained on behalf of MontiPower the motivation to join the alliance.

For surface preparation at height and on objects that are difficult to access, cordless means double freedom: freedom for contractors to use batteries from other CAS members, and freedom from the hassle of loose cables and air hoses. MontiPower offers 5.5 Ah and 8.0 Ah 18 V batteries to power its new Bristle Blaster® Cordless and the new Vinyl Zapper® Ultimate, which is based on MontiPower’s new patented adaptor system.

The full CAS statement from the press conference (CAS press kit overview, PDF) was published alongside this announcement in December 2020.

What is the Cordless Alliance System?

The Cordless Alliance System is a cross-brand battery platform for professional cordless tools. It was announced in July 2018 on the initiative of Metabo, with a group of nine manufacturers of professional power tools, all using the same 18 V lithium-ion battery technology. Batteries and chargers from one member brand fit the tools of the others.

The alliance has grown considerably since MontiPower joined. The CAS website today lists more than 50 partner brands and more than 500 compatible tools on the 18 V platform. For a contractor this means one battery and charger fleet for drills, grinders, saws, lights and surface preparation tools from different manufacturers.

Why does cordless matter for surface preparation?

Many surface preparation jobs are not in a workshop. Spot repairs on bridges, steel structures at height, pipe racks, tanks and vehicles in the field often have no mains power or compressed air close to the workface. Cables and air hoses are trip hazards on scaffolding and slow down access work. A cordless tool removes that set-up:

• Work at height and in confined spaces without dragging cables or hoses up ladders and through manholes.
• Spot repairs can start as soon as the operator arrives, with no compressor or generator to mobilise.
• Shared batteries across brands reduce the number of chargers and battery types a crew has to carry and maintain.

Which MontiPower® tools run on CAS batteries?

Bristle Blaster® Ultimate Cordless

The Bristle Blaster® removes corrosion and coatings and creates an anchor profile in a single step, without loose abrasive. The Ultimate Cordless version runs at 2,200 rpm on the 18 V CAS platform and includes a safety switch, an anti-vibration handle, a robust fronthead and an adjustable accelerator bar for objects that are difficult to reach. MontiPower states approximately 25 minutes of surface preparation time per 8 Ah battery. In documented tests on standard steel, Bristle Blaster® technology produces cleanliness comparable to ISO 8501-1 Sa 2½ and a 65–85 µm Rz anchor profile; results vary with steel grade, rust grade, belt and technique.

Vinyl Zapper® Ultimate Cordless

The Vinyl Zapper® removes vinyl, adhesive residues, reflective foils, stickers, decals and double-sided tape from painted metal, bright metals, aluminium, wood and trim panels. Its patented natural-rubber design is made to leave the paintwork undamaged. The Ultimate version mounts on a 30 mm adaptor system and runs on the cordless 18 V drive.

For a comparison of the drive options, see Bristle Blaster® electric, pneumatic or cordless.

Where can I learn more?

Read how the platform fits maintenance crews in the Cordless Alliance System for industrial maintenance, or contact your local MontiPower® distributor for a demonstration of the cordless range.