In this webinar, we will provide current and up-to-date information for procurement professionals in the medical device industry on the dynamic medical battery market. We will explore the latest trends and supply challenges, equipping you with the knowledge and risk mitigation strategies to overcome today’s and tomorrow’s obstacles. The following topics will be covered:

• Understanding medical equipment battery applications, the importance of reliable power sources, and key factors to consider when evaluating supply options,
• Regulatory considerations, including costs and expected timelines
• Current trends in the medical battery industry/market from supply chain and technical standpoints, including those driven by EV development,
• Q&A session, including perspective on the new EU Battery Regulation 2023/1542

The post 2024 Medical Battery Market Insights appeared first on Excell Battery Co..

We will be posting all the answers in this YouTube playlist:

Current questions Bob has answered:

• How safe is a Li-Ion Battery Pack?
• How susceptible are battery packs to shock and vibration?
• How does a battery pack fuel gauge work?
• Is battery pack protection circuitry needed?
• What will happen if I puncture a Li-Ion Battery Pack?
• What is the shelf life of a Li-Ion battery pack in storage?
• What types of batteries are used in downhole drilling?
• What are the different types of lithium-ion battery cells?
• Is a LiFePO battery safer than a polymer or lithium-ion battery? 
• What battery recycling facilities should I recommend to my customers?
• Can lithium-ion batteries become overcharged?
• Why would I need a custom lithium-ion battery pack?
• What’s an ideal battery State of Health (SoH)?

The post Battery Bob: Your Battery Questions Answered in This Q&A Series appeared first on Excell Battery Co..

The Logistical Benefits of Onshoring

In any industry, the greater the distance required to move components through a supply chain, the greater the risk for delays. During the last few years, ports have been plagued by congestion, with shipping containers sometimes waiting weeks to be unloaded. When it comes to batteries, delays in the supply chain can have dire consequences for tech OEMs. In response to logistical delays and tariffs, there is a current movement amongst manufacturers toward “onshoring” their choice of suppliers. By partnering primarily with North American suppliers, Excel Battery substantially reduces the risk of shipment delays, avoids costly tariffs, and ensures a constant and reliable flow of essential components. 

At Excell Battery, we take a strategic approach to our engineering and manufacturing operations by positioning them in key North American hubs. Our Canadian facilities in Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto, coupled with our American facility in Houston, Texas, enable us to meet the demands of North American entities. 

The Engineering Benefits of Onshoring

Localization goes beyond the physical location of our manufacturing facilities. Excell Battery boasts a close-knit North American engineering team, allowing us to oversee the entire design process with unrivaled speed and efficiency, free from offshore complications. Even small hurdles like managing workflow amongst different time zones are eased or eliminated when a core team is centralized. This facilitates quick design iteration cycles, enabling us to respond promptly to rapidly changing market demands and stay at the forefront of technological advancements. As a result, our product development chain is characterized by agility, responsiveness, and reliability. 

The 2023 North American Advantage

As we settle into the post-COVID era, the persistent reality of supply chain disruptions looms large, fueled by ongoing geopolitical conflicts, inflationary pressures, and unforeseen challenges. Consequently, the accessibility and smooth flow of goods may be affected, leading to port delays, reduced freight availability, price surges, and other concerns. However, at Excell Battery, we are well-positioned to meet these challenges head-on.

Addressing the Challenges of Supply Risks and Rapidly Changing Technology and Conditions.

The surge in EV (electric vehicles) sales over recent years has intensified the demand for critical materials, putting tremendous pressure on battery component supply chains. As road transport electrification efforts continue to expand, driven by the global commitment to achieve net-zero emissions, the demand for essential materials is expected to further escalate, and technology is expected to advance rapidly. To mitigate the risk of disruptions, one effective strategy is to establish long-term contracts and partnerships with local suppliers, ensuring stability and a reliable supply of crucial resources. Keeping any design operations close to home also enhances our adaptability and responsiveness, so we can navigate any economic or product development challenges with resilience.

Addressing the Challenges of Economic Instability

Economic instability has triggered a cascade of challenges across global supply and product development chains. Fluctuations in demand have become unpredictable, making it challenging for businesses to effectively plan and produce goods. Rapid shifts in demand can lead to excess inventory or shortages, disrupting the supply chain flow. Additionally, the rise in interest rates is compounding the cost of corporate debt, further driving up the cost of labor and goods.

Fluctuating currency exchange rates add another layer of complexity, making it difficult for companies to forecast and manage costs for importing and exporting goods. The constraints of financial uncertainties weigh heavily on businesses, restricting their capacity to invest in crucial areas such as technology, infrastructure, and workforce. Excell Battery’s decision to center our operations within North America offers stability and efficiency. By utilizing local facilities and personnel, we maintain greater control over our supply and product design chains, reducing our vulnerability to external economic pressures.

Addressing the Challenges of Geopolitical Tensions

Amidst current geopolitical tensions, the prospect of material scarcity and soaring raw material prices looms large, presenting challenges to supply chains worldwide. As nations re-evaluate their relationships with global partners, exploring new strategies becomes a necessity. By reducing reliance on overseas suppliers, Excell Battery can maintain a stable flow of materials and minimize the risk of demand fluctuations. In their article, “The Supply Chain Trends Shaking up 2023,” KPMG explained, “Governments and industry leaders are exploring domestic self-sufficiency in material supply and manufacturing. Short of this, they are looking to build ‘friend-shoring’ relationships – trade links with like-minded and most likely geographically close countries (‘nearshoring’) where the supply of goods will likely be more secure.” Taking advantage of friendshoring or nearshoring has additional benefits such as enabling Excell Battery to reduce lead times, lower costs, and improve the speed of our products to market. 

The advantages of a North American supply and product development chain are clear – reduced risks of delays, avoidance of costly tariffs, efficient engineering processes, and a focus on local talents and resources. Additionally, local manufacturing offers greater control over production, ensuring consistent quality and timely delivery. By prioritizing these aspects and exploring new supply chain options, Excell Battery is well-equipped to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing landscape and emerge stronger and more resilient in the face of economic instability, material scarcity, geopolitical issues, and any other challenges that the future may bring.

The post The North American Edge in Supply and Product Development Chains appeared first on Excell Battery Co..

In this webinar, Ian Kane (CEO of Excell Battery), Caron Craig (Excell Battery Regional Manager – Vancouver), and Mike MacWillie (Excell Battery Director of Engineering) discuss:

• Industry trends that drive the need for intelligent battery packs.
• Steps and best practices to design a device with an intelligent battery pack
• Information on Excell Battery’s Criterion iQ intelligent Li-Ion battery pack

Industry trends that drive the need for intelligent battery packs

Steps and best practices to design a device with an intelligent battery pack

You can download a copy of the checklist discussed in this portion here:

Information on Excell Battery’s Criterion iQ intelligent Li-Ion battery pack and Q&A

The Criterion iQ intelligent Lithium-Ion battery pack provides the data needed to ensure the devices is always ready. For more information (including the product’s spec sheet), click here.

The post The Next-Generation of Intelligent Battery Packs (WEBINAR) appeared first on Excell Battery Co..

As the battery application demands increase rapidly, battery hardware and chemistry are struggling to keep up. Software known as Battery management Systems are becoming increasingly important for meeting these demands through performance optimization. Intelligent battery packs that incorporate these systems can improve battery lifespan, reduce waste, and enhance reliability and safety.

Download the Design Checklist

Click the button below to download Excell’s Intelligent Battery Applications Design Checklist for a step-by-step guide to the process of designing an intelligent battery pack, such as Excell’s Criterion iQ, into your next application.

The post Intelligent Battery Applications – Design Checklist appeared first on Excell Battery Co..

Introduction to Battery Management Systems for Medical Devices:

Battery Considerations for Medical Device Design

Q&A: Battery Management Systems: Designing for Safe and Reliable Medical Devices

The post Battery Management Systems: Designing for Safe and Reliable Medical Devices appeared first on Excell Battery Co..

In the tradition of many great partnerships, this one started with a problem. How could we meet the increased demand of a pandemic climate? Pushing internal teams is one factor, but gaining the buy-in of external partners often presents a greater challenge. The challenge was to produce batteries at a rate several orders of magnitude higher than previous production rates required by the MOVES® SLC integrated, portable life support system. MOVES® SLC is a portable life support system that provides the highest level of patient care in extreme and rugged transport and emergency settings. Battery-powered, the MOVES® SLC integrates the functions of a ventilator, oxygen concentrator, physiological monitoring, and suction, making it an invaluable tool in the fight against COVID-19 in Canada and around the world. We worked together with Thornhill Medical to optimize the manufacturing process for high volume production and improve both throughput and data capture on battery final assembly testing.

At the outset, both Thornhill and Excell teams emphasized the importance of a clear, detailed, and consistent communication channel between engineering and production. Both teams quickly engaged in a daily cadence to meet deadlines. In rapid and efficient succession, we worked with Thornhill to source components, built and deployed fixtures and designed a new final-assembly testing system to accommodate the increased demand pressures. The data from the new testing system enabled rapid improvement to production throughout. We tapped into our extensive industry network to build a multi-channel automated cycling system in a matter of weeks, instead of months. Our combined expertise resulted in a testing plan that captured all product application needs within our timeframe. 

After partnering with Excell, Thornhill Medical is successfully delivering MOVES® SLC life support systems to support the ongoing response to COVID-19. Our team understood not only the timelines but the vital importance of delivering a battery and testing system that supports a complex medical device. As the partnership continues, we look forward to future innovation with Thornhill, always striving to produce the highest quality devices for an ever-changing global medical landscape.

The post Case Study: Meeting The Increased Demand of a Pandemic Climate appeared first on Excell Battery Co..

Choices made at the cell level have consequences on the entire manufacturing process. Our engineers design with the supply chain in mind. The ripple effects of each design choice are carefully weighed against their impact on the overall demand flow. We use our extensive North American resources to inform both our design and manufacturing decisions. Offering multiple cell and component alternatives allows production to move forward, unimpeded by material shortages. A quick internet search for cell vendors will pull up hundreds, if not thousands, of results. The quantity of results is not always accompanied by trustworthy rankings on the quality of these cells and vendors. A seasoned team of engineers provides the best oversight on supplier and product quality. 

Curating a healthy catalogue of raw materials is often where some manufacturers stop. Smart engineering goes a step beyond by establishing quality control procedures to test all cell and component alternatives. Qualification of cells through rigorous in-house lab testing should be second-nature to battery suppliers. Even the most reputable cell vendors are not immune to quality issues. Before signing on with a supplier, OEM clients should ask tough questions regarding quality control and safety procedures. In addition to testing the quality and safety of individual cells, an established lab program also provides assurances that all manufacturing quality standards are followed. North American standards are particularly stringent so any manufacturers operating within the continent should be well-versed in protocols such as ISO 9001, ISO 13485, UN38.3, etc.

Strong supplier relationships are one of the most crucial differentials separating top-tier manufacturers from their competitors. When a demand spike forces a supplier to pick and choose which orders to fill, the tipping point is often the strength of the customer-supplier relationship. This scenario continues to play out frequently across industries weighed down with pandemic pressures. The trust and reliability forged with our suppliers over many pre-pandemic years became critical factors when the ultimate stress test of COVID-19 hit. Our supply chain is built to support our clients through the entire design and manufacturing process, regardless of external disruptions. We partner with suppliers who share that same methodology. 

An infrastructure built on smart engineering principles provides the sturdiest foundation for OEM clients. Highly-specialized training does not have to translate to a hyper-narrow perspective. Engineers with a realistic approach to design and an awareness of the broader supply chain set clients up for the best chance of success.

The post Smart Engineering appeared first on Excell Battery Co..

Manufacturers should be aware that products containing dangerous goods like lithium batteries must be shipped within the guidelines of multiple regulations. Individual countries’ transportation regulations such as the USDOT, Transport Canada, the International Air Transport Association (IATA)

Transporting lithium batteries can be dangerous if not packaged and handled safely because they present both chemical and electrical hazards. The UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Sixth Revised Edition, SubSection 38.3 was created to ensure safe transportation of batteries. Frequently known as UN 38.3, these recommendations are enforced by all regulatory bodies and must be followed when shipping lithium batteries.

The Hazards of Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries may pose significant hazards if mishandled or abused. Consequently, safety practices must be followed when packaging and handling lithium batteries for transport. Abusive conditions can cause lithium batteries to catch fire, leak corrosive liquids, or explode in certain situations.

To help explain the various hazards that may occur if batteries are mishandled, Excell Battery has made our Safety Training Course available online for free. 

The Steps to Follow

As outlined in the above regulations, several things must be in place before a business is allowed to ship lithium batteries. These include:

Training

All persons involved in preparing, packaging, and completing paperwork must be formally trained in these procedures before offering batteries for transport. Specific training requirements are outlined in the UN 38.3, but they generally include the following:

• General awareness/familiarization training of regulations
• Function-specific training on shipping lithium batteries
• Lithium battery safety
• Security awareness training

Many training organizations and companies offer this type of training either online or in person.

Testing Requirements 

Lithium batteries must be tested safe for transport in accordance with UN 38.3. A variety of tests is performed, from altitude to forced discharge, to ensure the batteries can be transported safely. For more information, review the US DOT/IATA lithium battery testing requirements. 

Packaging/Labeling Requirements       

Performance tested shipping containers must be tested in accordance with the above regulations. These boxes must contain the proper UN marking in order to be used for shipping lithium batteries. In addition, labeling of boxes (Class 9, Cargo Aircraft Only if applicable) must be properly applied to the packaging.

Paperwork Requirements

HAZMAT Bill of Ladings, Airway Bills, and other Dangerous Goods paperwork, such as a Shipper’s Declaration of Dangerous Goods, must be completed before lithium batteries are offered for transport. Failure to comply can result in costly delays, the shipment being rejected by carriers, or even fines for failure to follow the proper paperwork requirement.

About Excell Battery

Excell Battery has a proven track record of manufacturing safe, reliable battery solutions for over 35 years. When it comes to shipping safety and regulations, it’s important to have a professional team partnering with you to ensure the safety of your product. Contact us today and let us help you bring your product to the world! 

The post How To Safely Ship Lithium Ion & Lithium Metal Batteries appeared first on Excell Battery Co..

The ISO 13485 certification was created by the International Organization for Standardization, which sets standards for commercial, industrial, and proprietary standards for businesses around the world. 

In countries like the US and Canada, ISO 13485 certification is mandatory for battery manufacturers of batteries that power medical devices. The standard covers every aspect of battery production. 

Battery packs, for example, must be designed to ensure the safe and reliable function of the end application. Safety, reliability, uniformity, timely delivery and traceability of components are key requirements for any battery pack, and these requirements are emphasized in the ISO 13485 standard.

Supply chain disruptions are unacceptable in the medical device field. So it is critical to choose components that allow the battery provider to meet product ship target dates. 

Along with the battery design, management of design files, validation and verification of both the battery and processes, record keeping, cleanliness, and retention of documentation files are all critical to a manufacturer’s ability to produce a medical battery and maintain their ISO 13485 certification.

Careful selection of critical components is a primary consideration early in the design cycle, with a goal to ensure alternates are available where feasible. Cells, ICs, FETs, fuses and connectors need to be selected with care to ensure that risk of supply chain disruption or product re-qualification does not occur within the product’s lifetime. 

Our battery manufacturing experts at Excell are fully trained and certified to meet the ISO 13485 standard. We have over 35 years of experience as a leading OEM supplier for medical equipment, utilities, industrial and handheld instrumentation, oil & gas, LEVs (light electric vehicles), and other advanced applications and extreme environments.

The post What is an ISO 13485 Certification and Why Do You Need It? appeared first on Excell Battery Co..