I'm trying to figure out the best way to secure three 18650 cells to a custom PCB. I've come across plastic housings that can be soldered directly to the PCB and also metal clips that grip the cells from either end. I'm leaning towards using the metal clips since I think they might keep the board looking cleaner, but I really want to prioritize function, reliability, and safety above all else. Any thoughts or recommendations on which option is better?
3 Answers
Both options work, but I’ve found that metal contacts are generally cheaper. Just make sure the space around the battery is secure. If there’s too much room and the device gets jolted or dropped, the batteries could pop free. It’s all about making sure everything is snug and secure inside the casing.
Exactly, mechanical shock can really mess things up if you're not careful!
I'd go with metal clips for sure! They grip the batteries much tighter, of course, you'll need more space since they tend to spread a bit when you insert the cells. In my experience, they handle heat and vibrations better too, unlike plastic housings which can crack after repeated heat cycles. Metal has generally been more reliable for me.
Totally agree on the metal clips! They may cost a bit more, but the durability is worth it.
Yeah, I've seen plastic housings fail under some heavy use. Metal clips are the way to go.
I personally prefer plastic housings. I've had good luck with them and they don't seem to fail easily if you stick to reputable brands. Just watch out for those without spring contacts; they can make a mess of electrical connections. I use them in our work projects to build compact high-voltage packs and they've held up fine.
Good tip on the spring contacts! That can definitely be an issue.
I've had decent results with plastic too, but I usually tie them down just to be safe.
Right! A snug fit is crucial, especially for anything that might get a bit rough.