Milwaukee FORGE Battery Series: Extended Power for Heavy-Duty Tasks

 Milwaukee’s Forge Battery  series is Milwaukee’s most powerful and fastest-charging battery. Featuring a significant advancement in battery technology for professional power tools, these battery packets also deliver COOL-CYCLE cooling as they charge to reduce the amount of downtime needed during demanding jobs. In comparison to Milwaukee’s REDLITHIUM batteries as a stand-alone, FORGE offers the longest life possible on a charge.

These batteries are built to endure and perform what’s needed, no matter how challenging the conditions may be. Whether you’re a construction worker, electrician, plumber, or other trade industry professional, having a dependable yet high-output battery is vital to keeping your power tools running without having to waste time or prolong a project with frequent battery switches.

Want to know if the Milwaukee FORGE battery series is right for you? Keep reading for more information, including features, benefits, pros and cons, lineup overview, applications, and more.

Milwaukee Tool has always said it strives to "disrupt the industry" with new and enhanced innovations, and that's what FORGE does. It's the answer that professionals are looking for when they need more power and more runtime, even when compared to REDLITHIUM and HIGH OUTPUT batteries. Milwaukee took what worked and redesigned it with resistant housing to offer trade-industry professionals another option for heavy-duty power.

The name "FORGE" was chosen to make these batteries easily stand out within Milwaukee’s lineup as an improved option for high-demand applications. These batteries are designed to outlast and outperform competitors and set new standards for professionals who require not just rugged dependability but also even longer extended usage without having to swap out the battery every hour or two.

Milwaukee's FORGE Batteries are designed to last, and their durability stems from four new features:

• Upgraded Pack Construction: FORGE batteries provide a thoroughly reinforced structure that can handle hard impacts and even more stress. They're built to handle tough and lengthy projects better than other Milwaukee battery options. 

• Patented Ingress Coated Protection: This enhanced coating seals FORGE batteries, protecting them from water, dust, and debris. This, in turn, helps safeguard the batteries' internal components.

• Thermal Resistance and Chemical-Resistant Housing: Built to resist high temperatures and chemicals like oils, greases, and solvents, these batteries can keep running in extreme jobsite environments, making them ideal for construction sites, manufacturing warehouses, and where conditions are overall demanding.

• Increased Cycle Life: When dealing with a project that requires long hours, these batteries are said to last longer than other options, and if needed, a supercharger is available to charge quickly and reduce overall downtime.

For professionals who find themselves consistently working against the clock, FORGE batteries, as mentioned above, charge faster than any available battery in the Milwaukee lineup.

• M18 FORGE Batteries: Several M18 FORGE batteries can achieve 80% charge in 15 to 35 minutes (depending on the battery chosen) and 100% in 25 minutes with the M18 Dual Bay Supercharger.

• MX FORGE Batteries: These FORGE batteries can charge to 100% in just 45 minutes when used with the supercharger.

Milwaukee FORGE batteries offer the highest output across all models and fast charging capability. This means professionals will experience less downtime and fewer interruptions, which is important for worksite projects that require constant, reliable power. The speed at which you can charge these batteries prevents tradespeople from having to wait long periods and maximizes productivity with quick top-offs that allow them to get back to work quickly. 

In the time it takes to grab an hour’s lunch break, the FORGE battery will be fully charged and ready to go again.

Milwaukee has built these FORGE batteries for maximum longevity at the worksite. Several key features that contribute to these batteries' extended lifespan include:

• ONE-Key Compatability: For advanced tool tracking capabilities and tool optimization, several FORGE batteries offer ONE-Key compatibility.

• REDLINK Intelligence: Milwaukee’s proprietary REDLINK system communicates with the tool to optimize power usage, protect against overload, and prevent overheating. This intelligent feature extends the battery’s lifespan by preventing wear and tear during high-demand use.

These technologies make FORGE batteries some of the longest-lasting in Milwaukee’s lineup. To ensure that you get the most out of your batteries, Milwaukee offers extensive warranties for their batteries. To learn more about these battery warranties, read here. 

Milwaukee FORGE batteries are designed for heavy-duty use with high power output, fast charging, and durability for tough jobsite conditions. Featured below are our pros and cons list to help make the right decision for future tools and batteries.

Pros:

• High Power Output: Built for heavy-duty applications, these batteries offer superior power, especially for Milwaukee M18 FORGE tools.
• Fast Charging: With the FORGE Supercharger, select FORGE batteries can reach 80% charge in 15 minutes and 100% in 25 minutes.
• Durability: Thermal resistance, chemical-resistant housing, and ingress protection mean they withstand tough jobsite conditions.
• COOL-CYCLE Technology: Prevents overheating, keeping tools cooler during high-stress tasks.
• Universal M18 and MX FUEL Compatibility: Fits all Milwaukee M18 or MX FUEL tools and chargers. No extra adapters are needed.

Cons:

• Higher Cost: These batteries may come at a higher upfront cost due to their longer runtime, faster charging, overall power, and advanced technology.
• Slightly Bulkier: Improved durability and power capacity mean some FORGE batteries may feel slightly heavier than other optional models.

These Milwaukee FORGE batteries provide long-lasting performance and reduced downtime, ideal for users needing extra strength and speed in their daily work.

Milwaukee understands that seamless integration is essential for professionals. The M18 FORGE batteries are compatible with all M18 tools and chargers, ensuring tradespeople don’t need to buy additional components to enjoy the power boost that FORGE provides. This compatibility makes FORGE a straightforward upgrade for anyone already using Milwaukee’s M18 platform.

Milwaukee's M18 and MX FUEL battery packs share some essential high-output features, ensuring each battery is optimized for tough tasks:

• High Output Power: Each battery delivers consistent power for demanding applications. For example, both the M18 FORGE HD12.0 and MX FUEL HD12.0 are designed for extended runtime and maximum efficiency.

• Premium Fuel Gauge Button: The upgraded button offers a premium feel, and the LEDs are more visible even under bright sunlight.

• Fast Charging Across the Lineup: With compatible superchargers, these batteries charge rapidly:

  • M18 Models: Can reach 80% in 15-35 minutes.

  • MX FUEL Models: Fully recharge within 45-65 minutes.

These quick charging times keep workflows smooth, reducing downtime significantly.

The COOL-CYCLE Active Cooling System is a crucial feature that helps maximize the lifespan and performance of both the Milwaukee FORGE batteries and the tools that use them. By providing high-speed cooling, this system actively reduces the risk of overheating during intense, high-demand tasks. Overheating can cause batteries to drain quickly, leading to frequent downtime as users wait for the batteries to cool down before they can continue working. With COOL-CYCLE, that downtime is significantly minimized.

This active cooling system works by circulating air through the battery to maintain an optimal operating temperature, even during prolonged use. Whether you're working in hot environments or pushing tools to their limits with heavy-duty tasks, COOL-CYCLE keeps your battery and tool performing at their peak for longer. It's especially useful for jobs that involve continuous high-drain power tools, like impact wrenches, grinders, or saws, which are prone to generating more heat.

Choosing FORGE batteries is about boosting productivity and minimizing downtime. With FORGE, professionals spend less time waiting on chargers and more time tackling tough tasks. The durability, quick charging, and consistent power output translate to higher efficiency on every job. For tradespeople, that’s not just convenience—it’s job satisfaction and increased output.

In conclusion, the Milwaukee FORGE Battery series is a game-changer for professionals who need consistent power and reduced downtime on demanding jobs. With its fast charging, extended runtime, and robust durability, the FORGE battery stands up to the toughest worksite conditions while keeping tools running longer. 

Whether you're tackling construction, plumbing, or electrical tasks, this battery offers the power, performance, and reliability you need to stay productive all day. While it may come at a higher price point, the investment is well worth it for those who require peak performance without interruptions. If you’re ready to boost your efficiency and tackle jobs with less downtime, Milwaukee FORGE batteries are a solid choice for any high-powered jobsite application.