When it comes to sourcing small polymer lithium batteries¹, understanding the technical needs and the right supplier is crucial. But how do you make the right decision? This guide will help.

In this guide, we’ll break down the entire procurement process for small polymer lithium batteries², from defining your needs to evaluating suppliers³ and ensuring battery safety⁴.

With so many applications, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Let’s simplify the process by focusing on the steps you should take to select the best small polymer lithium battery⁵.

How do you define the right application for a small polymer lithium battery⁶?

First, you need to understand where the battery⁷ will be used. Each device has different demands—smartwatches, drones, or medical devices all require unique features.

Identifying the application is the first step to choosing the right battery. Whether for wearables or mobile devices, each application has its own specific needs.

Wearable Devices

When selecting a battery for wearables⁸ like smartwatches or fitness trackers, the size and weight are crucial. You need high energy density to ensure long battery life in a small form factor. Furthermore, lightweight design and safety features such as overcharge, over-discharge, and short-circuit protection are essential for user comfort and safety.

Mobile Devices

For mobile devices⁹ such as smartphones and tablets, long battery life and quick charging are the top priorities. These devices need a battery that can handle a high capacity to support extended use, as well as fast charging technology to reduce downtime. Temperature adaptability is also critical, ensuring that the battery can perform well in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 65°C.

Medical Devices

Small polymer lithium batteries¹⁰ used in medical devices¹¹ must prioritize safety and reliability. Devices like glucose meters or ECG monitors rely on consistent battery performance. These batteries also need to be compact and stable under various temperature and humidity conditions to maintain performance.

Drones and Remote-Controlled Devices

For drones¹² or remote-controlled toys, lightweight batteries with high energy density and discharge rates are needed to ensure long flight times or operation. These batteries must also be durable enough to function in extreme environments, such as high temperatures and humidity.

E-Cigarettes

E-cigarettes¹³ require small batteries with high energy density to ensure portability and long-lasting power. Fast charging capabilities are essential, as users want quick recharges. Safety is another critical concern, as the battery must prevent overheating and short circuits.

GPS Trackers

GPS trackers¹⁴ used for personal or vehicle tracking require small batteries with low power consumption. These batteries need to last longer in standby mode and work in varying weather conditions without performance loss.

By identifying the application and understanding its needs, you can narrow down the battery options and find the one that best suits your device's requirements.

What technical specifications should you consider when choosing a small polymer lithium battery¹⁵?

Once you’ve defined the application, it’s time to get into the specifics—capacity, size, voltage, and discharge rate are just a few of the key specifications you’ll need to consider.

Understanding technical specifications such as capacity, voltage, and discharge rate¹⁶ is vital for selecting the right battery. These factors influence battery performance in real-world conditions.

Battery Capacity

Capacity is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh) and ranges from small capacities like 50mAh to larger ones like 3000mAh. The capacity you need will depend on the device. For low-power devices like RFID tags, a small battery will suffice, while devices like smartwatches or Bluetooth headphones require larger capacities to power extended usage times.

Size

Small polymer lithium batteries¹⁷ can be customized to fit specific device requirements. Batteries come in various shapes—rectangular, circular, or even custom shapes. Common sizes include dimensions like 1.5mm×34mm×50mm (LP340150) and larger dimensions like 8.8mm×46mm×144mm (GRP9146143). You’ll need to choose a battery size that matches your device’s design.

Voltage

The nominal voltage for polymer lithium batteries is typically 3.7V, though other voltage options such as 4.2V and 4.35V are also available. Charging voltage usually reaches up to 4.2V, while higher voltage versions may require specific applications or designs.

Discharge Rate

The discharge rate, measured in C-rates (e.g., 1C, 3C, 5C), defines how fast a battery can release its stored energy. For devices that need quick bursts of energy, like drones or electric toys, high discharge rates are essential. A battery rated at 10C can discharge its full capacity within an hour.

Energy Density

Energy density indicates how much energy can be stored within a given volume. Polymer lithium batteries can reach up to 730Wh/L, making them perfect for applications requiring compact energy storage, like wearables and mobile devices.

Cycle Life

Cycle life refers to the number of charge and discharge cycles a battery can undergo before its capacity degrades. Small polymer lithium batteries typically have a cycle life of over 300 cycles, which is important for devices that will be used for long periods, such as smartwatches or medical devices.

Safety Features

Safety is critical, especially in consumer products. Choose batteries with built-in protection circuits for overcharge, over-discharge, and short-circuit prevention. Certifications like UL, CE, and IEC 62133 ensure that the battery has passed rigorous safety tests.

Specification	Description	Common Application
Capacity	Measured in mAh, range from 50mAh to 3000mAh.	Wearables, mobile devices, medical devices
Size	Custom shapes like rectangular, circular, etc.	Smartwatches, e-cigarettes, drones
Voltage	Usually 3.7V, but can be 4.2V, 4.35V, etc.	Wearables, mobile devices
Discharge Rate	Expressed as C-rate (1C, 3C, etc.)	Drones, electric toys
Energy Density	Can reach up to 730Wh/L	Wearables, small media players
Cycle Life	Typically over 300 cycles	Smartwatches, medical devices
Safety Features	Includes overcharge, over-discharge protection	All devices

These technical specifications will guide your decision-making process and help you choose the best battery for your device’s needs.

How to choose a reliable supplier for small polymer lithium batteries?

A reliable supplier is critical to ensuring that your battery performs as expected. With so many options available, how do you choose the best one?

Choosing the right supplier is just as important as selecting the right battery. Consider factors such as experience, reputation, certifications, and support to find a supplier who can meet your needs.

Industry Experience

Look for suppliers who have years of experience in manufacturing polymer lithium batteries. Experienced suppliers tend to offer better reliability, more refined products, and a deeper understanding of industry trends.

Customer Reviews and Case Studies

Check the supplier’s customer reviews and case studies to gauge their reputation in the market. Positive feedback and successful case studies are indicators of a supplier’s ability to deliver on promises and maintain customer satisfaction.

Certifications and Standards

Ensure that the supplier’s batteries meet international safety and quality standards such as UL, CE, and IEC 62133. These certifications confirm that the battery has undergone rigorous safety tests and is fit for use in your application.

Production Capacity

Assess the supplier’s production capacity, including their automation levels and monthly output. Make sure that they can meet your demand, especially during peak periods. A supplier with higher automation can produce more batteries consistently and with fewer defects.

Technical Support

Choose a supplier who offers excellent technical support, including product consultations, troubleshooting, and after-sales services. This support can help address any issues that may arise after you’ve purchased the batteries.

Product Quality

Request battery samples and test them for performance. Ensure that the battery’s capacity, discharge rate, cycle life, and other specifications meet your requirements before placing a large order.

Pricing Transparency

The supplier should offer clear and transparent pricing. Avoid suppliers with hidden costs and make sure you’re comparing prices from multiple suppliers to get a fair deal.

Delivery Time

Confirm that the supplier can meet your delivery deadlines. Delays in delivery can affect your project timelines, so it’s essential to find a supplier with reliable shipping practices.

After-Sales Service

Check the supplier’s warranty, repair services, and return policies. A good supplier will offer support in case the batteries fail or don’t meet the expected performance standards.

Environmental Compliance

Ensure that the supplier follows environmental regulations like RoHS and REACH, ensuring that the products are safe and environmentally friendly.

Logistics and Shipping

Verify that the supplier can provide safe and compliant shipping methods to ensure that the batteries reach you without any issues.

These factors are critical in ensuring that the supplier you choose can provide high-quality products and excellent customer service.

Conclusion

When selecting small polymer lithium batteries, it’s essential to define your requirements, understand technical specifications, and choose a reliable supplier. With careful planning, you can ensure the success of your device.