Battery puncture and crush test chamber

Step 1: Core Requirement Analysis (Define the "Why" and "What to Test")

Before contacting any suppliers, internally clarify the following key questions:

1. 1.1.Testing Standards & Compliance:
   • ••Which mandatory testing standards​ must you comply with? Examples include:
     • ••Chinese Standards (GB):​ GB/T 31485 (Electric Vehicle Batteries), GB 31241 (Portable Batteries)
     • ••International Standards:​ UL, IEC, UN 38.3 (Transport Safety)
     • ••Internal Automotive OEM Standards:​ Various car manufacturers may have more stringent proprietary standards.
   • ••This is the most critical first step​ as it directly determines the technical specifications of the equipment.
2. 2.2.Battery Type & Specifications:
   • ••Battery Type:​ Prismatic (aluminum casing), Cylindrical (e.g., 18650, 21700), Pouch cell?
   • ••Battery Dimension Range (L x W x H):​ Determine the maximum​ and minimum​ battery sizes you need to test.
   • ••Battery Weight Range:​ Especially the maximum weight.
   • ••Voltage and Capacity Range:​ This relates to the required safety protection level.
3. 3.3.Test Items (Puncture, Crush, or Both):
   • ••Puncture Test:
     • ••Pin Material & Specifications:​ Usually defined by standards (e.g., steel pin, diameter 3-8mm, tip angle 45°).
     • ••Puncture Speed:​ What is the adjustable range? (e.g., 10-100 mm/s).
     • ••Puncture Location & Depth:​ Is programmable control needed for piercing different locations and depths?
   • ••Crush Test:
     • ••Crush Method:​ Direct crushing by hydraulic ram? Or using a hemispherical plate, flat plate, or specific crush plate?
     • ••Crush Force & Stroke:​ What is the maximum crush force (e.g., 100kN, 200kN) and maximum crush displacement?
     • ••Crush Speed:​ Adjustable range?
     • ••Dwell Function:​ Can the chamber maintain the set force or displacement for a specified time?

Step 2: Evaluation of Key Technical Parameters (Define "What is Needed")

Based on Step 1, inquire about these core parameters with suppliers:

1. 1.1.Mechanical Performance & Structure:
   • ••Force Capacity:​ Ensure the maximum crush force (e.g., 200kN) and the load cell accuracy meet requirements.
   • ••Stroke Range:​ The travel of the crush plate and puncture mechanism must accommodate your largest battery.
   • ••Speed Control:​ Can the crush and puncture speeds be precisely set and remain stable?
   • ••Rigid Structure:​ The overall frame must be extremely rigid to withstand the impact of a potential battery explosion, ensuring operator safety.
2. 2.2.Safety Protection System (Top Priority!):
   • ••Explosion-Proof & Pressure Relief Design:
     • ••Chamber Material:​ Must be made of thick, high-quality steel plate, lined with explosion-proof, corrosion-resistant stainless steel plate.
     • ••Pressure Relief Device:​ Is a dedicated explosion-proof vent​ or pressure relief valve​ equipped to directionally release explosion shockwaves and high-temperature ejecta?
     • ••Viewing Window:​ Is it made of multi-layer explosion-proof glass, and does it include an automatically actuated metal shield​ to prevent splatter?
   • ••Fire Prevention & Exhaust System:
     • ••Automatic Fire Suppression System:​ Are integrated fire-fighting sprinkler interfaces​ or more advanced automatic extinguishing systems​ (e.g., FM-200, CO2) included?
     • ••High-Capacity Exhaust System:​ Can toxic and hazardous gases be quickly expelled outdoors after testing? Fan power and air volume are key.
   • ••Safety Interlocks:
     • ••Door Interlock Switch:​ The test sequence cannot start if the door is not securely closed.
     • ••Emergency Stop Buttons:​ Multiple E-stop buttons must be located inside and outside the chamber.
     • ••Pressure Sensor:​ Monitors abnormal internal pressure and automatically initiates safety measures.
3. 3.3.Control System & Data Acquisition:
   • ••Control Method:​ Is it fully automated, using a PLC + Touchscreen (HMI)? Is the interface user-friendly for programming?
   • ••Programming Functionality:​ Can complex test procedures be easily created (e.g., crush at speed A to force B, hold for C seconds, then puncture)?
   • ••Data Acquisition:​ Must be capable of real-time, high-speed​ acquisition and recording of force, displacement, time, voltage, and temperature​ (via thermocouples) curves. Higher data sampling rates are preferable.
   • ••Trigger Settings:​ Can test termination triggers be set based on voltage drop, temperature spike, or pressure threshold?
4. 4.4.Auxiliary Configurations:
   • ••Battery Voltage & Temperature Monitoring:​ How many channels of voltage and temperature acquisition are provided? These lines must have special spark-proof and short-circuit prevention​ designs.
   • ••Camera System:​ Is there an integrated high-speed camera​ (min. 1000 fps) interface or a built-in standard camera for recording the test process?

Step 3: Supplier and Service Evaluation (Define "Who to Buy From")

Once technical parameters are met, the supplier's overall strength is crucial.

1. 1.1.Professional Experience & Case Studies:
   • ••Does the supplier specialize in battery testing equipment? Request sales cases for the same type of equipment, preferably from well-known battery manufacturers or automotive companies.
   • ••Can they provide third-party test reports​ or explosion-proof certifications​ for the chamber?
2. 2.2.After-Sales Service & Support:
   • ••Installation & Commissioning:​ Do they provide on-site installation and operator training?
   • ••Warranty Policy:​ What is the warranty period? Which components are covered?
   • ••Technical Support Response:​ Is 7x24 technical support available? Is the supply of spare parts prompt?
   • ••Documentation:​ Are detailed manuals (operation, maintenance), electrical diagrams provided in English?
3. 3.3.Price & Budget:
   • ••Prices for such chambers range from hundreds of thousands to over a million RMB. Never opt for the lowest price alone; safety and reliability are always paramount.​ You get what you pay for, especially with equipment involving explosion risks.

Selection Process Summary

Finally, remember: Purchasing a Battery Puncture and Crush Test Chamber is essentially investing in a critical safety barrier. Choosing a scientifically designed, well-manufactured, and thoroughly protected chamber is a responsible act towards your employees, your laboratory, and your company's assets.​ We hope this guide helps you make an informed decision