Stupid Question: Can I solder 18650 cells?

[markz]

Looks like the solder was falling, could short out to case. Cant inspect quality of solder joint either.

 

[LewTwo]

For making your own packs, this build looked interesting, although It puts the cells into long tubes.
https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=59225#p968876

But with the tabs it looks like you can weld the cells without too much risk of damage.

If the cells have tabs on them then there are a number of possibilities. The problem I encountered was that no in-country vendors, much less local vendors, offered that option. What is really needed is a simple 'pressure contact' kit that the user can provided their own cells. There are some 4 cell units but they appear to be designed for very low power applications.

EDIT 14 Jan 2017:
DIY 18650 Battery Packs https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=26383
Battery in a Tube https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=85548

 

[GIGATT]

OK ... reason for asking. I started to order my mini battery pack from EM3EV and was shocked by the shipping cost for the tiny battery.
I can acquire said 18650 cells locally in Houston, texas for a reasonable price. I can get a BMS off ebay for a reasonable price.
However I do not have and would rather not purchase a pulse welder for a one time use.
I was thinking I might use WBT #0800 4% Silver Solder and 12 GA copper wires between the cells.
Melting point of the WBT 4% Silver Solder is 180 degrees C -- somewhat lower than the 237 degrees C for the more common 60/40 electrical solder.

Yes I do realize this would be a bit dicey and I would have to be extremely careful about NOT overheating the end of the cell but .... ???


EDIT 14 Jan 2017:
DIY 18650 Battery Packs https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=26383
Battery in a Tube https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=85548

Greetings, where can one get cells at for a reasonable price in Houston?

 

[LewTwo]

Sorry, I have no idea (the referenced post was 4 years ago) ...
I have gotten some off ebay but a lot of people look down on that approach.
Not sure what Trump's tariffs have done to the prices either.

 

[socrace]

I found you really need a good soldering gun like the Weller D550, which is 260 watts, about $35.
I built this a couple months ago, 65 recycled LG batteries + holders cost just under $100.

 

[serious_sam]

That's a neat looking pack. That's how I'd do it if I didn't have a welder. I like the thick copper bus bar style.

Cell manufacturers often recommend avoiding the middle area of the negative end of the cell for welding. I'd probably avoid it for soldering too, just to be safe.

 

[GIGATT]

Sorry, I have no idea (the referenced post was 4 years ago) ...
I have gotten some off ebay but a lot of people look down on that approach.
Not sure what Trump's tariffs have done to the prices either.

thanks for the response. one Houston dollar store had a sign that raised prices to 1.39 because of tariffs. Hug at not being able to remember 4 years ago... I have the opposite problem I remember 4 years ago like it was yesterday.

Shalom

 

[GIGATT]

That's a neat looking pack. That's how I'd do it if I didn't have a welder. I like the thick copper bus bar style.

Cell manufacturers often recommend avoiding the middle area of the negative end of the cell for welding. I'd probably avoid it for soldering too, just to be safe.

I will try to find more info on welding off the center of the negative end thanks.. not sure how to google that yet

 

[serious_sam]

I will try to find more info on welding off the center of the negative end thanks.. not sure how to google that yet

Sorry, perhaps I overstated by saying "often"...

Anyway, here is a reference. See page 11.

http://queenbattery.com.cn/index.php?controller=attachment&id_attachment=89

 

[GIGATT]

thanks I thought I was going to have to learn Chinese or whatever language that is.

I will try to find more info on welding off the center of the negative end thanks.. not sure how to google that yet

Sorry, perhaps I overstated by saying "often"...

Anyway, here is a reference. See page 11.

http://queenbattery.com.cn/index.php?controller=attachment&id_attachment=89