Does Soldering Damage Cells? 3 Alternatives to Spot Welding

When connecting 18650 battery cells, the most common method is soldering. But you've probably heard the warnings — "Don't solder on cells," "Soldering causes explosions." Are these claims true? If so, what are the alternatives? In this post, we’ll explore the real risks of soldering and walk you through three safe ways to connect lithium cells without using a spot welder.     Why is Soldering Considered a Problem? Soldering involves applying heat to melt the solder onto a connection. The problem lies in that very heat . 18650 lithium-ion cells are highly sensitive to temperature, and anything over 60°C can start to break down the internal electrolyte. Improper soldering can cause the following issues: Gas Expansion: Excessive heat causes the electrolyte to vaporize, increasing internal pressure and potentially swelling or leaking. Reduced Capacity and Lifespan: Heat stress deteriorates cell performance and lifespan. Fire Haza...