18650 cell substitute for weld testing

[SubnetMask]

As the title suggests, what would be a good substitute for an 18650 cell that is easily obtained that would allow for testing and dialing in of a welders pulse, so you could see an accurate representation of the penetration of the weld on the under side of the weld? I've seen people use utility knife blades, but it seems to me like those are too thick, so if a welds penetration looks 'just right' on that, then it's probably actually 'too much' on an actual cell. I Assume that the cells are usually made of either stainless steel or perhaps some kind of plated steel. But how thick are the cans, usually?

 

[amberwolf]

How about just using dud cells?

Those would then be the same as the cells you're going to weld, and then you'd know for sure it's going to work on your actual cells.


You can get free cells in dead batterys from recycle bins at various places, if they'll let you take them.

You can get cheap ones in assorted items at thrift stores, if you know the types of things that use them and see one there.

 

[spinningmagnets]

The disposable flashlight batteries that are D-cell or C-cell are pretty useful. You could cut one open to see how thick the metal skin on the electrode is to see if they are similar to an 18650. It's my understanding that most 18650 cells use nickel-plated steel as the can material, and I believe D-cells are the same.

 

[SubnetMask]

How about just using dud cells?

Those would then be the same as the cells you're going to weld, and then you'd know for sure it's going to work on your actual cells.


You can get free cells in dead batterys from recycle bins at various places, if they'll let you take them.

You can get cheap ones in assorted items at thrift stores, if you know the types of things that use them and see one there.

Well, yes, testing on dead cells would work, except you can't just flip it over and see what the actual penetration was. Maybe I'm over thinking it lol.

The disposable flashlight batteries that are D-cell or C-cell are pretty useful. You could cut one open to see how thick the metal skin on the electrode is to see if they are similar to an 18650. It's my understanding that most 18650 cells use nickel-plated steel as the can material, and I believe D-cells are the same.

That could work but I'm not sure I want to be pulling apart alkaline batteries... I remember LONG ago when I was doing something stupid and pulling one apart (was either a C or D cell, IIRC), I beleve it was the negative terminal that shot off like a rocket when I pulled part of it loose. :lol:

If the 18650s are nickel plated steel, then maybe the answer is nickel plated steel strips to serve as the substitute. The only question then is how thick are the 18650 cans?

 

[Hillhater]

..The only question then is how thick are the 18650 cans?...

That is easy to find out..
...just tear one apart and measure it ..! :wink: :lol: