Sourcing lithium batteries for low volume production - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Paul Bryson
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2017, 09:44:57 pm
content: I have googled my fingers to the bone but I have not been able to identify a "good" source to buy lithium batteries for low volume production 200-1000 units assembled in the US.Mouser and Digikey don't seem to carry them. I see battery packs on alibaba list for as little as $0.10 but specialty distributors in North American list prices more like $8-$15.I want a good price (obviously) but I want a reliable supplier with dependable lead times and quality.Any insight/advice would be appreciated.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2017, 09:58:53 pm
content: Huh? Digikey stock LiPOs and LiIon batteries and cells. Currently they've got 85 different products in stock,If you cant find anything you must be looking for something somewhat unusual . . . .

author: Paul Bryson
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2017, 10:57:15 pm
content: @ Ian M., Those are just coin cell types or from retailers like Sparkfun and Adafruit. I am talking about substantial capacity batteries (> 500mAh). AdaFruit and Sparkfun are retailers - not wholesale suppliers.

author: Paul Bryson
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2017, 11:07:03 pm
content: I should also add that I referring to rechargeable cells/packs - not primary cells.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2017, 11:34:01 pm
content: Perhaps you should stop being cryptic. Its no use saying "Mouser and Digikey don't seem to carry them." when you haven't defined 'them'. At least we now know you need >500mAH cells or packs.What do you actually need?e.g LiPO pouch cells, tagged 18650 cells, assembled packs or whatever

author: edpalmer42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2017, 11:36:50 pm
content: I haven't dealt with them, but these guys sell on ebay and are based in Canada. They might have what you need in commercial quantities.http://stores.ebay.com/DURNERGYhttp://www.durnergy.com/Ed

author: Paul Bryson
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2017, 12:29:24 am
content: Sorry if I annoyed everyone by being "cryptic".I am asking about sourcing rechargeable battery packs as would be found in commercial products such as cell phones, radios, tablets, etc. I am asking in general about reliable sources and the fact that the prices on Alibaba are orders of magnitude less than what I see from North American (specialty battery) distributors. Also it seems that the typical electronic distributors may not carry them - but I have not called, Arrow/Avnet/Future et al. Perhaps I am mistaken - that is what prompted this question. I am looking for insight into this market.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2017, 12:34:35 am
content: http://www.powerstream.com/

author: hcglitte
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2017, 09:24:31 am
content: Have you sent RFQs on alibaba? That's how you do it.

author: Paul Bryson
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2017, 04:16:39 pm
content: @hcglitte, "send an RFQ on alibaba". This points at what I am trying to understand. Are there no name brand, off-the-shelf, solutions available from reliable distributors at reasonable prices? Why are rechargeable battery packs so different from other electronic components in this respect?And what is behind the orders of magnitude differences in price between alibaba's advertised prices those of distributors?

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2017, 04:29:49 pm
content: Farnell stock a few, but quite high priceshttp://uk.farnell.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?pageSize=25&st=lithium+polymer&catalogId=15001&categoryId=700000004387&langId=44&storeId=10151This is relatively recent - I think an issue is many distis are wary of them due to safety concerns and shipping restrictions.I've not used them but Powerstream seem to be a close to a 'good supplier' as I've seen.Varta do some standard packs, both wire-ended and packaged :https://www.varta-storage.com/en/power-packs/produkte/cellpac-lite.html

author: Paul Bryson
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2017, 04:33:51 pm
content: @mikeselectricstuff, Thanks, I will check that distributor (PowerStream) out. The prices they list seem much more reasonable than what I have seen elsewhere and they even make statements about keeping stock which addresses some of my concerns about continued availability.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 25, 2017, 04:37:32 pm
content: Quote from: hcglitte on February 25, 2017, 09:24:31 amAnd what you do when your devices start failing in a few months or even catch a fire?Lithium batteries are not a type of devices I would gamble with.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2017, 04:50:29 pm
content: Another thing to seriously consider is whether you can use a battery that's used in a popular camera, phone etc.At least you will be able to get them medium-long term, and there may be other benefits like off-the-shelf chargers and ability for end-users to source replacements.Theer are some from reputable third-party battery suppliers, but will need to keep an eye on quality.Please report back on your findings - it's an issue I've had to deal with in teh pas, though volumes were low enough that we just bought from Sparkfun.

author: anishkgt
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2017, 05:00:42 pm
content: You can't misshttps://batterybro.comif your into 18650 cells. Or buy on eBay. Search for the laptops battery packs and not those individual ones as they are not genuine.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

author: kony
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2017, 05:11:07 pm
content: I'm sourcing panasonic cells from TME (http://www.tme.eu/).

author: kwass
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2017, 05:55:22 pm
content: Check out this place:http://www.batteryspace.com/custom-battery-pack.aspx