![]() There is the lithium-ion cell, which is typically the cylindrical cell that we’re accustomed to. Well, let’s just go through the different types. Is there a difference in the way that lithium-ion batteries actually operate compared to previous technologies such as nickel metal hydride? We are able to develop uniquely shaped, flatter or narrower mechanical designs for our products. Their chemistry is very similar, but there is an advantage to the lithium polymer form factor in that it allows us to get away from round-shaped products. Later, when the 18650 cell came to fruition - and that form factor is pretty much dominating the market now - we transitioned toward them for our handheld round flashlights.īut, we are also doing more and more of the lithium polymer type of cells that are also lithium-ion based. ![]() That was the first real transition into lithium fuel. They were primarily used in the camera market at the time, but we evaluated them and determined they would be ideally suited to our portable illumination products. The advantage to that particular technology is that it packs very high energy in a very small cell. The technology we championed was a lithium primary, the CR123-equivalent cell. SureFire changed the game when we pioneered the use of lithium batteries in illumination products. Prior to lithium-ion becoming really dominant in the battery market, technologies of that time included nickel metal hydride, nickel-cadmium, and alkaline. What’s really driving that is the lithium market, due to the fact that you can get so much power out of a single cell.įor those of us who aren’t well versed in the technology, what can you tell us about lithium batteries, how they became popular and what makes them so effective? ![]() Everything is transitioning to portable power. Well, it’s really the transition in the technology from things that have plugged into the wall to things that have become portable - anything from your cellular phone to smartwatches to portable illumination, the latter in which SureFire is predominant in the market. What is it about this engineering field that holds your interest? His wealth of experience has led to the release of new SureFire batteries such as the SF18650B. Alex Soo joined the SureFire team over four years ago. Previously, I worked for a local battery company, designing and building battery pack systems for major medical device manufacturers, the military drone market and specialized projects for Panasonic Avionics and Google. I originally served as a contractor on battery management systems for the Arclight product line here at SureFire before hiring on full-time. Can you give us a little insight into your background and how you came to join the SureFire team? In July you’ll be celebrating five years with SureFire. Our 15-minute conversation yielded some great information on SureFire’s current battery line, where we’ve been, and where we might be headed. So when we wanted to give SF News readers a little SureFire Battery intel, we knew exactly who to pester. Alex is the battery guru at SureFire - no one better understands the ins and outs of portable power. ![]() ![]() SureFire’s Vice President and General Manager, Engineering, he is an industry veteran with tremendous experience in developing batteries and battery packs for multiple applications during his career. Battery performance is a crucial component of every SureFire WeaponLight, Scout Light, handheld and hands-free illumination tool. SureFire shifted the paradigm when it introduced the use of lithium-ion batteries for the tactical market in 1985, and it remains at the head of the pack, offering more powerful and versatile battery options today.Īlex Soo, the man responsible for guiding battery technology within SureFire’s Engineering Department, is also its main man. SureFire batteries help SureFire customers see the light, but it’s easy to overlook the role it has continued to play as a pioneer in these miniature power stations. Alex Soo, SureFire Vice President and General Manager, Engineering, is a veteran of the battery industry, giving him expert insight into the cells that power SureFire products. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |