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.
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.
1947 advertisement for the Dremel Moto-Tool die grinder
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.
Approximate Dremel type spindle and collet/nut arrangement
The collets are flexible, and will accept both original Dremel and alternative makes of cutting, grinding, and polishing head shafts.
In late 2008, Dremel released an oscillating tool, after the patent for the FeinMultimaster had 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]
