Dremel

Founded	1932; 92 years ago (1932) in Racine, Wisconsin, U.S.
Founder	Albert J. Dremel
Headquarters	1800 W. Central Rd., Mt. Prospect, Illinois , U.S.[1]
Products	Rotary tools, hot glue guns, scroll saws, contour sanders, versatips, and powered screwdrivers
Parent	Bosch
Website	www.dremel.com

Dremel (/ˈdrɛməl/ DREM-əl) is a multinational brand of power tools, focusing on home improvement and hobby applications. Dremel is known primarily for its rotary tools, such as the Dremel 3000, 4000 and 8200 series, which are similar to the pneumatic die grinders used in the metalworking industry by tool or moldmakers. Dremel later expanded its product range and now produces butane tools, benchtop and hand-held saws and oscillating tools.^[2] The company was purchased by Robert Bosch GmbH in 1993, and is now a division of the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation.

History

Dremel die grinder tools were originally developed by Albert J. Dremel, an Austrian inventor, who founded the Dremel Company in Racine, Wisconsin in 1932.^[3] Dremel held 55 patents across a wide range of inventions. His first product, released within the company, was an electric razor-blade sharpener, which lost popularity when cheap disposable razors became readily available. Dremel then developed the high-speed lightweight rotary tool, later named the Dremel Multitool, for which the company continues to be known. That invention was successful in the hobby and craft market.

In 1948, Dremel gave his employees a 3% year-end share of profits, seen as a radical idea at the time. Dremel died on 18 July 1968 at the age of 81.

People found many ways to use the rotary tools. In the 1940s, the United States Department of Defense reportedly used Dremel rotary tools in developing the first atomic bomb.^[4] Doctors in the military used the tools in dermal abrasion, to reduce scar tissue from battle wounds. Dremel tools are also used in tattooing, by pedorthists for shaping shoe inserts, and by dentists for crafting dentures.

In 2013, Dremel claimed that there were more than 17 million of their rotary tools in use.^[5]

Timeline

• 1932 – Albert J. Dremel founded the Dremel company.^[6] It was eventually awarded 55 patents, including for electric erasers, pusher lawn mowers and razor blade sharpeners.
• 1935 – Introduction of first hand-held high-speed rotary tool, called the Moto-Tool.
• 1939 – The Dremel Moto-Saw was developed.
• 1964 – Introduction of the Dremel electric engraver.
• 1973 – Introduction of compact table saw and multi-use disc/belt sander. Dremel Manufacturing Company was acquired by Emerson Electric
• 1993 – The Dremel brand purchased by Robert Bosch Tool Corporation.
• 2003 – Dremel introduces the lithium-ion battery for power tools. New tool creation of the Dremel 10.8 Volt lithium-ion.

Operations

Dremel's US activities operate from Mt. Prospect, Illinois. Dremel's activities in Europe, the Middle East and Africa are operated by Dremel Europe, with its headquarters located in Breda, Netherlands.

Rotary tools

The company currently^[when?] produces six rotary tools: three corded and three cordless. Over its history, Dremel has created over 30 different designs and models, mainly for home improvement and hobby use. Many different accessories and attachments are available.

The concept of the original Dremel Moto-Tool was to rotate a bit held in a collet at high speed. Variable-speed versions cover a range of 3,000 to 37,000 rpm. The Dremel relies on high speed, rather than the high torque of a conventional power drill. By inserting the appropriate bit (or burr), the tool can perform drilling, grinding, sharpening, cutting, cleaning, polishing, sanding, routing, carving, and engraving. Early cordless models were marketed as the Dremel Freewheeler. Dremel options include a miniature planer attachment, and a jigsaw attachment that lets the tool act much like a small reciprocating saw. Other Dremel rotary tools include a cordless pumpkin carving tool, a cordless pet nail grooming tool, and a cordless golf cleaning tool.

The collets are flexible, and will accept both original Dremel and alternative makes of cutting, grinding, and polishing head shafts.

Other tools

Dremel produces hot glue guns, scroll saws, butane tools, contour sanders, versatips, and powered screwdrivers, as well as accessories and attachments.^[7][8] Dremel tools are categorised as compact tool systems and benchtop tool systems.^{[citation needed]}

In late 2008, Dremel released an oscillating tool, after the patent for the Fein Multimasterhad run out. Dremel's version of the tool is called the Multi-Max.^[9]

3Pi Tech Solutions sell 3D printers with the Dremel brand.^[10]