13 kN Battery Crush Test Chamber
Apply controlled hydraulic compression to lithium-ion cells inside a reinforced enclosure while monitoring force, displacement and cell response.
What the crush test is designed to reveal
Crush testing applies a controlled mechanical load to a cell to evaluate hazards associated with deformation and an internal short circuit. Depending on the governing procedure, the machine may stop at a force, voltage-drop or deformation threshold and the cell may require observation after pressure release.
The DERUI chamber combines a hydraulic compression mechanism with a guarded test enclosure, observation window, pressure-relief opening, lighting, exhaust connection and electrical feed-throughs. These features support safer test execution but do not make a battery event harmless.
Published equipment specifications
Values below are taken from the current DERUI page and should be confirmed in the final datasheet.
| Parameter | Published value | Procurement note |
|---|---|---|
| Measuring range | 1 to 15 kN; standard 13 kN | Confirm overload capacity, calibration range and force-control behavior |
| Force accuracy | ±1% | Request calibration points around the method threshold |
| Drive | Hydraulic | Confirm approach speed, closed-loop control and emergency decompression |
| Stroke | 300 mm | Usable stroke depends on platen and specimen geometry |
| Hold time | 0 to 99 s | Some methods stop on force, voltage or deformation rather than a fixed hold |
| Crush platen | 150 mm diameter | Verify flatness, material and method-specific fixture |
| Test space | Approx. 300 × 300 × 450 mm | Confirm space for cell, sensors, insulation and safe debris clearance |
| Observation window | 250 × 250 mm, multilayer tempered glass and metal mesh | Remote camera viewing is preferable during energetic tests |
| Machine size / weight | Approx. 700 × 750 × 1700 mm / 220 kg | Confirm final drawing and floor loading |
| Power | AC 380 V, 2 kW | Confirm phase, frequency, breaker and destination voltage |
UN 38.3 T.6 crush sequence
The current UN Manual of Tests and Criteria should control the procedure. For applicable cell formats, the crush is gradual at approximately 1.5 cm/s from first contact and continues until the first specified stop condition is reached:
Pressure is then released and the sample is observed for the period required by the current manual. Cell orientation differs for pouch/prismatic, coin and cylindrical formats. Verify the latest edition and any applicable amendments before programming the controller.
Do not treat all battery standards as interchangeable
| Reference | Use | Configuration question |
|---|---|---|
| UN 38.3 T.6 | Transport classification impact/crush procedure for cells | Cell geometry, impact versus crush, speed and three stop conditions |
| IEC 62133-2 | Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary lithium cells and batteries | Confirm whether the required edition includes the applicable mechanical-abuse procedure |
| UL 1642 | Safety evaluation of lithium cells | Use the exact UL procedure, specimen state, force and acceptance criteria |
| GB 31241 | Chinese safety requirements for portable electronic-product lithium cells/batteries | The live page cites the old 2014 edition; confirm the current applicable edition |
| Pack/OEM methods | EV, industrial or energy-storage modules and packs | Often require far higher force, larger space and additional fire protection |
IEC 62281 is a transport-safety standard, but the live page cites a 2004 edition. Compliance must be checked against the currently required edition and actual equipment functions.
Monitoring and stop logic
Safety system to specify
The live product includes a reinforced enclosure, relief opening, exhaust connection, viewing window, lighting and emergency stop. A project-specific safety review should also address:
- Remote operation and an exclusion zone during and after crush.
- Door interlock that prevents motion when access is open.
- Defined pressure-relief direction away from personnel.
- Fire-resistant internal lining and replaceable debris/chemical protection.
- Exhaust flow, duct material and treatment of toxic/flammable vent gas.
- Facility fire detection and suppression strategy approved for the tested cell chemistry.
- Electrical isolation for voltage and temperature leads.
- Post-test observation, quarantine and damaged-cell disposal procedures.
Test preparation workflow
- Identify the exact procedure.
Record standard edition, cell format, state of charge, conditioning, orientation and acceptance criteria. - Verify machine capacity.
Confirm force, platen, speed, travel, cell dimensions, stop logic and observation period. - Complete the risk review.
Define ventilation, remote operation, fire response, PPE, exclusion zone and disposal. - Connect instrumentation.
Route isolated voltage and temperature leads without restricting platen movement. - Run remotely.
Monitor force, displacement, voltage, temperature and video; stop at the first method threshold. - Observe and document.
Maintain the required post-test observation and report event timing, fire, rupture, leakage and deviations.
Frequently asked questions
Is the standard crush force always 13 kN?
No. UN 38.3 T.6 uses 13 kN ±0.78 kN as one of three stop conditions for applicable cells. Other standards, cell types, modules and packs can require different forces or procedures.
Which cells use impact instead of crush under UN 38.3?
Cylindrical cells at or above the diameter threshold specified by the current manual use impact; other listed formats use crush. Verify the current text before testing.
Can this machine test EV battery packs?
The published 15 kN maximum and 300 × 300 × 450 mm space are primarily cell-scale. Pack crush usually requires a much larger, higher-force custom system.
Can the machine stop on voltage drop?
The UN procedure may require release when voltage falls by the specified amount. Confirm that the ordered controller includes isolated voltage acquisition and automatic threshold stop.
Does the chamber guarantee no fire or explosion?
No. Crush testing intentionally creates hazardous failure conditions. The chamber reduces exposure through guarding, relief and exhaust, but facility-level controls and remote operation remain necessary.
What is the published force accuracy?
The live page lists ±1%. Request traceable calibration at the forces used by your test method.
What data should be recorded?
Record force, displacement, voltage, temperature, time and synchronized video, plus cell condition, orientation, stop reason and post-test observations.
What should I send for a quotation?
Provide the exact standard, cell drawings, chemistry, state of charge, maximum force, speed, fixtures, stop logic, sensors, ventilation and site safety requirements.
Related DERUI battery safety equipment
For controlled climate exposure of cells and packs, review the battery test chamber range. For transport low-pressure testing, use the battery altitude simulation test chamber. These machines perform different hazards and should not be represented as interchangeable.
Match the crush system to the cell and standard
Send DERUI the procedure, cell drawing, force/speed requirement, stop conditions and facility safety plan for a configuration review.
