Transcript
Product Guidelines Title: IDX Manufacturing Standards for Batteries vs. Offshore Release Date: 3/1/10
Accidents and customer complaints related to the increasing number of low cost, off-shore battery products and their manufacturers have been reported more and more in recent years. Among the issues are short battery life span, operational failures, damage to connected equipment circuit boards and damage to camera exteriors from a thermal event. To help our clients understand the key differences between IDX manufacturing quality versus offshore brands, we’ve developed the following report detailing the comparisons and is based on product reviews from four (4) overseas battery companies.
Primary Comparison Factors
Quality of battery cell and related material Quality of the battery production process used in manufacturing
Material Overview—How Battery Cells Affect Quality Type of Cells Capacity—voltage and current or amperage draw Electrical load imposed on the battery Performance under temperature extremes Number of life cycles the battery can withstand Cell Lot Age of the cells Cell balance and their ability to work together Cell Balance Good balance among all cells = good life cycles Bad balance among all cells = faster cell deterioration & shorter life cycle Battery Cells Used in IDX Batteries: Balanced Cells Voltage levels are matched Impedance levels are matched Cells are carefully evaluated, grouped and selected for precise specifications Capacity and life cycle Electrical load, safety and temperature tolerances Operator conditions Cost
IDX System Technology, Inc. 19001 Harborgate Way, Suite 105 Torrance, CA 90501 U.S.A. Telephone: (310) 328-2850 Fax: (310) 328-8202 For further information, email us:
[email protected] or visit our website www.idxtek.com IDX reserves the right to change the specifications contained herein without notice.
Product Guidelines Title: IDX Manufacturing Standards for Batteries vs. Offshore Release Date: 3/1/10
Battery Cell Variables Used by Offshore Manufacturers
Cells are from different lots, resulting in uneven cell balance & poor life cycle performance Use of old cells no longer in active production, contributing to inadequate operation Cells with compromised temperature capability Recycled and damaged cells contributes to sub-standard performance, life cycle and increases the possibility of an accident such as a thermal event.
In the image above, note the adhesive residue remaining on the cells from prior At left:
Here the shrink wrap is damaged; poor treatment of cells may lead to a short circuit.
At left: Offshore manufacturer’ battery cell tabs are folded to fit their design. This increases resistance to the current and can lead to heat and/or thermal accidents.
Manufacturing Overview—Production Quality Affects Batteries Proper Design—assures reliable operation and safety Casing—protects cells and the circuit board Controlled Soldering—optimizes current flow and secure operation Cell Tab Connection—affects current flow and overall consistent activation Cell Insulation Spacers—prevents short circuits Basic Assembly—quality of the overall product IDX System Technology, Inc. 19001 Harborgate Way, Suite 105 Torrance, CA 90501 U.S.A. Telephone: (310) 328-2850 Fax: (310) 328-8202 For further information, email us:
[email protected] or visit our website www.idxtek.com IDX reserves the right to change the specifications contained herein without notice.
Product Guidelines Title: IDX Manufacturing Standards for Batteries vs. Offshore Release Date: 3/1/10
Production Comparisons Production Factors
Offshore Manufacturers
IDX
Operation Circuit Design
Questionable
Standardized/Reliable
Protection Circuit Design
Questionable
Reliable
Casing Design
Not UL Standard
UL Standard
Cell Tab Design
Ignored
Specifically designed
Soldering Technique
Questionable (by hand)
Reliable (by machine)
Cell Insulation Spacers
Randomly Used & Poor Quality
Always Used & High Quality
Assembly Technique
Low Skill Level
High Skill Level
Quality Control
Low & Questionable
Strict
Summary—Quality of Cells
- Most offshore manufacturers use substandard and poorly balanced battery cells. Our examination revealed use of recycled cells; another used older cell technology. Cost reduction takes priority over quality material selection. - IDX uses only new battery cells; all are checked for voltage/impedance levels and grouped together for maximum cell balance. Once grouped, they
Summary—Quality of Production
- Offshore suppliers practice many cost reduction techniques that fail to meet higher levels of safety and reliability, resulting in quality levels believed to be leading causes of accidents and damage. - IDX batteries are assembled from specifically designed components—from the circuit board through the cell tabs. Each element is manufactured to a strict standard to ensure product safety, reliability and with an awareness of the global environmental impact in our manufacturing processes.
IDX System Technology, Inc. 19001 Harborgate Way, Suite 105 Torrance, CA 90501 U.S.A. Telephone: (310) 328-2850 Fax: (310) 328-8202 For further information, email us:
[email protected] or visit our website www.idxtek.com IDX reserves the right to change the specifications contained herein without notice.
