CT scans of 1k lithium-ion batteries show quality risks in inexpensive cells
18 hours ago
- #battery-safety
- #CT-scanning
- #supply-chain
- Billions of 18650 lithium-ion cells are used annually in various devices, posing hidden risks due to internal structural flaws.
- Lumafield's Battery Quality Report analyzed 1,054 cells from 10 brands, revealing significant quality disparities, especially in low-cost and counterfeit batteries.
- Key quality metrics like anode overhang (AOH) and edge alignment impact performance and safety, with defects increasing the risk of thermal runaway.
- Low-cost and counterfeit batteries showed 7x worse AOH quality and 50% worse edge alignment compared to OEM cells.
- 33 out of 1,054 cells had negative AOH (cathode overhang), a defect linked to internal shorts, all from low-cost or counterfeit brands.
- Public recalls and warnings by the Consumer Product Safety Commission highlight the real-world impact of battery defects.
- Counterfeit batteries often mimic reputable brands, with misleading capacity claims exposed by CT scans.
- Lumafield's automated CT scanning and analysis enable rapid, high-throughput inspection, crucial for large-scale battery production.
- CT inspection helps manufacturers identify defects, mixed lots, and process drift before they become field issues.
- The report underscores the need for transparency and quality control in the battery supply chain to mitigate risks.