Cylinder Battery case

Cylindrical battery cases (also called cell cans + top caps) are core components used to assemble lab-scale cylindrical lithium-ion cells for electrochemical testing, process optimisation, and materials screening. These cases provide the mechanical housing, electrical current path to the terminals, and controlled sealing interface required for stable cycling performance.

Materials and construction

These cylindrical cases are manufactured from imported SPCC steel strip with nickel plating on both inner and outer surfaces to improve corrosion resistance and electrical contact stability. Typical nickel coating thickness at the middle of the outer wall is ~2–5 μm.
Key sealing/insulation components include:

• Top cap: nickel-plated steel (variants may be supplied without PTC, depending on model)
• Seal O-ring: PBT or PP (chemical-resistant polymer options)
• Insulating gasket: PET for electrical isolation between cap/can components

Available formats and typical dimensions (mm)

Common lab formats include:

• 18650: Case 18.15 × 68.25 | Cap 17.65 × 4.35
• 21700: Case 21.1 × 74.3 | Cap 20.95 × 4.25
• 26650: Case 25.4 × 26 × 67.8 | Cap 25.3 × 4.45
• 32700: Case 31.5 × 32.2 × 72.5 | Cap 31.25 × 5.15
• 14500: Case 13.4 × 13.9 × 50.5 (or 13.7 × 14.1 × 51.6) | Cap Ø13.3 × 3.45 (or Ø13.5 × 3.85, with PTC variant)
  Typical dimensional tolerance: ±0.03–0.2 mm.
  
  

Compatibility and applications

Ideal for researchers building cylindrical cells for formation cycling, rate capability, ageing studies, and post-mortem analysis. Integrates naturally with ScienceGears workflows such as battery cyclers, electrode preparation tools, and electrochemical test instrumentation for robust R&D in Australia and New Zealand.