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10 Safety Instructions to Follow When Handling Battery Packs

by Alexander J.
written by Alexander J.

Batteries have become a part of our day to day activities. The most preferred are the lithium-ion batteries such as the 18650 Battery, due to their high energy density. The batteries packs come in different models, each with a specific set of features and benefits; they also have a wide range of applications thanks to their low self-discharge as well as their lifetime in cycling.

The user ought to be cautious when using the battery packs to ensure that the application troubles do not affect them. The batteries contain cells that have organic solvents that are highly flammable. In the event that the battery is not handled with precaution, the battery’s functionality will be affected and it could result in fires.

one model of battery packs

Safety Instructions for battery packs

Some of the major forbidden activities include:

  • Use of unauthorized chargers

Never use unauthorized chargers. Only charge the battery under acceptable conditions as specified in the manual.

  • Unspecified Application

Do not use the battery for any other purpose other than that which it’s specified for. Using the battery for unspecified applications may damage the battery and cause it to explode.

  • Direct Connection

Don’t connect the battery directly with car or AC plugs. Connecting to the outlet directly may cause accidents.

  • Immersion

Do not, in any instance, immerse the battery with liquids like water or other soft drinks. This will result in an unexpected electrical load and cause the battery pack to catch fire.

  • Incineration and heat

Keep the battery away from heat and fire. If it’s exposed to too much heat or catches a fire, the battery may explode.

Never use the battery in environments where temperatures exceed 80°C. The high temperatures could damage the battery’s polyolefin separator and causing internal shorting.

  • Short-circuiting

A short-circuit is made when you connect the “+” and the “-” terminals together using a material that conducts electricity. Avoid doing this as it may cause an excessively large current to flow through and this could result in an explosion.
Short circuiting battery pack

  • Soldering

If you directly soldier the battery, the heat will damage the gas release vent and melt the insulator.

  • Disassembly and reconstruction

When you disassemble the battery, there’s a high chance that the protection circuit will get damaged. When this happens, the battery will not be protected anymore and it will easily get damaged.

  • Impact and penetrations

Avoid unnecessary impact such as striking the battery with a hammer or penetrating it with a nail. These actions will damage the battery cell and break the protection circuit which will cause internal shorting.

  • Reverse charging and overcharging

As you charge the battery ensure that you don’t reverse-charge it as this will result in an abnormal chemical reaction. During discharge, a large unexpected current will flow.
battery charger

Ideal Storage Conditions for Battery packs

If the storage is for a short duration (about 3months), make sure the room has low humidity, ambient temperature (-20 to +40°C), and doesn’t have corrosive gases.

If you’re storing the batteries for a longer duration, find a more stable environment that will not minimize the risk of rusting. The ideal temperature should range between -20 to +20°C. The battery should also be partially charged.

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Industry

Pros and Cons : 3D Printing VS CNC Machining

by Alexander J.
written by Alexander J.

 

There are numerous printers that carry out 3d printing. While they may utilize varying materials and technologies, they all operate in a similar way i.e. begin from scratch before proceeding to form a three dimensional object layer by layer. This process is known as additive manufacturing.

mnThe use of 3D printers is becoming popular as it offers lots of benefits the traditional manufacturing techniques do not. In spite of this, 3D printing comes with its own shortcomings. These shortcomings include the fact that once mass production is involved, 3D printers cannot be effectively used to carry out the job, and the fact that 3D printing is limited in accessibility and speed.

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling machines on the other hand utilizes cutters or sharp rotating tools to rid a block of concrete material (wood or aluminum) of parts that are not of importance or surplus to requirements. This process which is the complete opposite of the additive method used by 3D printers is known as subtractive method.

CNC machines are controlled by computers which gives them some machine-specific and particular codes to control the sharp rotating tools or cutters. The models of CNC machines are manufactured by making use of a 3D modeling software known as Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software applications.

The main difference between 3D printers and CNC machines is the fact that they both make use of different types of manufacturing.

As stated earlier, 3D printers make use of additive manufacturing where objects are created layer by layer till it is fully built. 3D printing makes use of materials like resins, plastic powders, and plastic filaments. One advantage of additive manufacturing is that it gives the object freedom of shape.

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CNC machines on the other hand makes use of subtractive manufacturing where cutters are used to chip parts off a block until the desired shape of the object is achieved. One advantage of this method is that it can be used with a ton of materials such as metals, wood, and plastic.

Knowing how the two prototyping machines work, it is only right we compare and contrast the two in order to determine which one of them is the best to be used in the manufacturing of prototypes.

Choice of materials

As far as materials go, 3D printers have limited reach. This means that 3D printers can only make use of a few materials, usually resins or thermoplastics. A 3D printer that can handle thermoplastics will not be able to handle resins. This is because they both make use of totally different methods.

CNC machines are compatible with a large number of materials such as acrylic, metal alloys, hardwoods, softwoods, machining wax, modeling foams, thermoplastics, etc. while you may be needing varying cutting tools for varying materials, it isn’t something to be worried about as the tools can be exchanged effortlessly thanks to the standardized interfaces.

Speed

It may be hard to compare the speed of the two machines as they are used for different objects and with varying materials. However, CNC machineries do not usually take more than 1 hour to get the job done while 3D printers usually require hours to complete their jobs.

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In other words, CNC machining has a faster speed than 3D printing where the objects are built layer by layer.

Noise and vibrations

The noise that comes from 3D printers during usage sounds like a gentle breeze while that of CNC machines can be so loud it could deafen your ears. Although, the extent of the noise coming from the CNC machines largely depends on what material you are cutting. The noise it gives when cutting wax models can barely be heard while the one it gives when cutting wood or metal is the ultimate ear blocker

As far as vibrations go, you need not worry about it while using a 3D printer, however, while making use of CNC machines, it is probably best if you don’t place it on a table close to you due to the rate at which it vibrates. In the same veil of the kind of noise it gives, the level of vibration GNC machines gives depends on the type of material being used.

 

Cost price

The cost of both machines is pretty hard to compare, although at the initial stage, 3D printers are much cheaper in the initial stages than CNC machines. You could get a decent 3D printer for as low as $500 while CNC machining starts at $2000.

However, as time goes on, if you make use of a high quantity of parts, CNC machines prove to be cheaper. All in all, in the initial stages, and if you are going to be producing in low volumes, 3D printers are cheaper. However, if you are going to produce in large quantities, CNC machining will be better off.

What to buy?

This is a tricky question that cannot be answered out rightly. This is because each machine have their strong suit and areas in which they thrive. So, for certain prototypes, a 3D printer will be the preferred option while for other prototypes, CNC machining will be best.

If you are a maker that works on different type of prototypes, it will be best and to your own benefit if you purchase both machines.

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Industry

Printing Using 3D Technology that are Emerging

by Alexander J.
written by Alexander J.

For most of you, searching for 3D programs is a difficulty. This list appeals for all the programming for all your 3D printing requirements: from 3D displaying to cutting, from a beginner to an expert. Get down to the area that you are most keen on: the 3D Modeling Tools segment covers all sort of CAD programming, the Slicers and 3D Printer Hosts segment contains the most recent print planning applications and to wrap things up, the Other Handy Tools contains programming that may prove to be useful while repairing a 3D display.

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3D Modeling Tools

There are three fundamental classifications:

  • CAD Tools
  • Freeform Modeling Tools
  • Sculpting Tools

Though the apparatuses of every class can produce models appropriate for 3D printing, the way the sources of info are produced are extraordinary: CAD devices are to a great extent in light of utilizing geometrical shapes to construct models while freeform demonstrating instruments enable more opportunity by enabling you to make freestyle shapes. Chiseling instruments are essentially similar to utilizing advanced dirt that you can push, force, squeeze and get to frame your models.

Computer aided design Tools

  • FreeCAD. This is a parametric 3D modeler worked for item outline and designing. Highlight rich and with a high expectation to learn and adapt, FreeCAD is fairly for cutting edge clients. The product is multi-stage, and runs perfectly on Windows and Linux/Unix and Mac OSX.
  • Geomagic Design. Geomagic Design is a far reaching and hearty mechanical CAD configuration instruments, enabling plans to go from idea to generation for proficient specialists, producers, understudies and specialists. Geomagic Design is accessible in three forms: Personal, Professional and Expert, each custom fitted to the requirements and spending plans of the individual client base.
  • Inventor. Inventor 3D CAD programming deals with a simple to-utilize set of tools for 3D mechanical framework, documentation and item reproduction.
  • Producers Empire. Producers Empire 3D is anything but difficult to utilize 3D outline and printing programming. It is worked to be usable by kids as youthful as 5. The paid variant incorporates an essential/primary school learning program; teacher’s Dashboard, asset, educational modules and expert advancement. It keeps running on: iPad/iPhone/Android/Mac/Win/Chrome book.
  • Morphi App. Morphi is a straightforward, effective 3D outline application right now accessible for iPad and Mac. Morphi involves those of all ability stages to make 3D models from anywhere with touch, on the web or disconnected, utilizing 3D figures, content, hand drawing, high complexity pictures, and streamlined 3D demonstrating apparatuses.
  • Rhino 3D. Rhinoceros is a solitary, business NURBS-based 3D displaying programming normally utilized for mechanical outline, engineering, marine plan, gems plan, CAD/CAM and quick prototyping. Rhino’s prevalence depends on its decent variety, low expectation to absorb information, generally ease, and its capacity to import and fare more than 30 record groups, which enables it to go about as a ‘converter’ apparatus between programs in an outline work process.
  • SketchUp. SketchUp is a 3D displaying program for applications, for example, building, inside outline, common and mechanical designing. Its effective yet simple to utilize interface make it perfect for apprentices in 3D demonstrating. A freeware adaptation, SketchUp Make, and a paid rendition with extra usefulness, SketchUp Pro, are accessible. Note that the free form does not enable you to fare for 3D printing, you’ll have to introduce a module to do as such.
  • Solidworks. SolidWorks is a 3D mechanical CAD program broadly utilized among specialists and creators. The product includes effective recreation, movement, and plan approval devices, propelled wire and pipe directing usefulness, figuring out capacities, and that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
  • TinkerCAD. TinkerCAD is a software package based 3D exhibiting program seamless for amateurs. You can spare your strategies on the web or offer them with others. Fare documents to print with your own particular 3D printer or send your plans to one of famous 3D printing administrations.
  • Vectary: This is a free, accessible 3D displaying gadget and group stage where you can make, share, and tweak 3D prototypes. The Free Plan offers you a very utilitarian and simple to-utilize toolset, with boundless open prototypes to make and share, and a predetermined number of private models.
  • 123D Design. 123D Design is an effective, yet straightforward 3D creation and altering device. The free form gives you access to most highlights and enables you to make and utilize 3D models for non-business purposes.

Slicers and 3D Printer Hosts

 

If you are looking to print and execute a 3D print, you will need:

  1. Ultimaker Cura. This Ultimaker Free slicer and host software is an open source; not limited to Ultimaker 3D printers. If you are a novice, this offset lithography software suits your naïve’ starting needs for it gives a superb 3D printer front end.
  2. ReplicatorG
  3. Repetier Host

3D Imprinting in Aviation

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The avionic business incorporates a scope of business, modern and military applications, and is contained divisions that outline, make, work and keep up the airplane or rocket. Among the principal supporters of 3D printing, the carrier business is a main impetus in the development of this innovation for both assembling end-utilize parts and prototyping.

  • 3D Printing for Business Flying machines; the Airbus

As per Peak, one of the flight business’ best pioneers, Airbus, now has a record number of 3D printed parts on their new A350 XWB air ship, with 1,000+ sections. Cooperating with Stratasys helped them create these parts rapidly and effectively utilizing elite FDM materials like ULTEM 9085. This creation review thermoplastic is a solid and FST consistent material with phenomenal quality to-weight proportion, ensured to Airbus’ determinations.

  • 3D Printing for Modern NASA Shuttles

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Essentially, an article by Robert Dehue additionally clarifies that NASA is utilizing a Stratasys 3D printer to create and test a space wanderer. The meanderer is about the span of a Hummer with a pressurized lodge to help life on Mars and at present contains more than 70 FDM 3D printed parts.

The 3D printed parts on NASA’s meanderer incorporate fire resistant vents and lodgings, camera mounts, unit entryways, an expansive part that capacities as a front guard and numerous other modified apparatuses.

As though 3D imprinting on the ground isn’t cutting edge enough, added substance innovations are likewise being tried in space. 3D technology at a development scale will have a wide assortment of uses inside the private, business, mechanical and open divisions.

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