18350 Battery: Size, Applications, & Comparisons

What is a 18350 Battery?

One may also describe a 18350 battery as a cylindrical lithium-ion battery, typically employed to constitute an energy storage device capable of being recharged to provide power to small electronic devices. This is considered to be a second battery cell, meaning that it is rechargeable hundreds of times under normal conditions. Most are lithium-based cells, although a few are optimized to suit a given product: IMR (Lithium Manganese), ICR (Lithium Cobalt) or INR (Nickel Manganese). Lithium-ion chemistry is more energy dense than nickel-metal lithium battery, or nickel-cadmium hydride battery, and that is why 18350 is generally utilized in gadgets that must also be mobile and have a great deal of strength.

Size Specifications: 18mm Diameter × 35mm Length

The model name is not merely a way of designating a random model number, but it is a standard way of naming the physical dimensions of the cell. The 18 millimeters in the first two digits denote the diameter of the battery, and the 35 in the third and fourth digits denote the length of the battery, respectively. The 0 in this last number is telling it is not a prismatic or pouch shaped battery, but a round cell. Its minimal size also allows it to be installed in size-constrained devices and has the power to drive high-drain applications.

Voltage and Capacity Ranges (Typical 3.6–3.7V, 700–1200mAh)

Most 18350 batteries are rated at 3.6-3.7 Volts, but can actually be completely charged to 4.2 Volts. Their capacity, depending on the manufacturer and type of chemical, is between about 700 mAh and up to about 1200mAh. It is only about one-third of the 2000-3500mAh of larger 18650 cells, but it is sufficient to support momentary operation of high-drain loads on small devices. The trade-off in voltage capacity can also make the 18350 an excellent choice for devices like vape mods and tactical flashlights that require performance to be reduced to fit into a compact pocket.

What is an 18650 Battery Equivalent To?

The 18650 battery is virtually the same as any specimen of the family of 18mm by 65mm cells, of the lithium-ion battery, either of that brand or of any other. This is why any lithium-ion cell with the label 18650 will be physically and electrically compatible in any device that accepts a cell of this nature, but the capacity of the cell and the rate at which it can deliver it may differ. The closest counterpart is a 21700 battery (a comparatively larger battery, but with a slightly higher capacity), and a 20700. which lies in the middle of size and performance between the two. The other is occasionally referred to as equivalent, where the equipment can accept them.

What is the Difference Between 18350 and CR123 Batteries?

Similarities in Size and Applications

The CR123 battery also appears identical to the 18350. and both are available in miniaturized electronics such as flashlights, cameras and tactical equipment. They appear to the uninformed person to be interchangeable on account of their being round and of being practically similar in magnitude. CR123 and 18350 are 17mm and 34.5mm long and 18mm and 35mm wide, respectively. So the two nearly set each other off.

Key Differences in Chemistry and Voltage

The similarity between 18350 and CR123 is mainly based on their appearances, the chemistry of the metallic materials and the electrical properties between the two widely differ. CR123 battery is a non-rechargeable primary lithium cell of nominal voltage 3.0 volts, not rechargeable. However, there is a nominal 3.6-3.7 volt secondary lithium-ion cell, the 18350. fully rechargeable and can be recycled many times. Such a big difference in voltage can matter since a 18350 with a higher voltage in a gadget to accept a CR123 is likely to overheat, fail, or even permanently harm sensitive electronics.

Why Are They Not True Substitutes

The CR123 and 18350 have many similar dimensions, but one cannot be substituted with the other. Devices tested specifically with CR123 batteries are set to 3.0 volts, and might present compatibility or risk issues with a different 3.7-volt 18350. But on the contrary, a device that has been designed to accept 18350 batteries would allow worse performance when using a non-rechargeable CR123 and cannot be recharged. Some contemporary flashlights and vape devices are programmed to fit both battery types, but again, this is an exception and not the rule. Before trying to swap these two batteries, one should always note the performance of those devices.

What is the Difference Between 18350 and 18650 Batteries?

Differences in Physical Size

The most obvious difference between the 18350 battery and the 18650 battery lies in their physical dimensions. This is because the 18350 and the 18650 are 18 and 35 millimeters in length, respectively. The difference in size has a direct impact on the application of any battery. The 18350 has been selected due to its mobile-oriented, smaller and compact devices, such as a miniature flashlight or a vape mod. Its larger counterpart, the 18650. is employed instead in always-need-more-power applications, like in laptops, power tools or even electric vehicle battery packs.

Differences in Capacity and Runtime

Along with its larger size, the 18650 battery delivers substantially greater capacity than the 18350. 18350 batteries are often 700 to 1200mAh with a few as low as 700 to 1200mAh, though may also be 2000 to 3500mAh, depending upon the chemistry and brand. This means that, on average, a device fueled with an 18650 will outlast two to three times as long as a device fueled with an 18350. The runtime variations between 18650 and LiCoO₂ are far more pronounced when the device in question is high-drain, like a flashlight or vaping mod, and the former has the benefit over the latter that long-lasting performance may be more important than compact size.

Differences in Applications and Compatibility

The kind of device 18350 is powering is probably always the deciding factor between 18350 and 18650. Smaller, handheld items take advantage of the smaller format of the 18350; larger equipment takes advantage of the larger capacity of the 18650. Some of the more advanced devices are designed with interchangeable battery tubes to give a choice of compactness versus run time. However, it is important to note that, in most machines, some design accommodations are necessary to have the two batteries interchangeable. How they vary in size and capability ultimately dictates how they will find application in modern handheld electronics.

What Are the Applications of the 18350 Battery?

Compact Flashlights and High-Drain Lighting

18350 batteries are mostly selected in products that require a trade-off between small size and known power supply. Due to the fact that they are not that long (only 35mm), they can be used in situations where space availability is limited; however, the energy requirements are also high. Many of these applications are available as compact flashlights, particularly high-powered, LED versions, which need a strong rechargeable power source yet do not add much bulk. They can also be integrated into performance-based electric lighting instruments, tactical flashlights and other portable electric light systems in the field or during an emergency due to their high-value drain discharge capacity.

Vaping Devices and Electronic Cigarettes

The other significant application of 18350 batteries is in the vaping sector, where the batteries can be frequently present in smaller mods and e-cigarettes. They are small so that manufacturers can make sleek and pocket-friendly devices without losing much on battery efficiency. The 18350 cells are rechargeable in that they have features that allow users to charge and use their gadgets multiple times without necessarily replacing the batteries. Also, the high-drain characteristic of this battery is useful in supporting vaping devices that need bursts of power to perform optimally, and as such, this battery is highly popular among enthusiasts who need the features of sufficient portability and reliable energy delivery.

Other Portable Electronics and Specialized Devices

Along with flashlights and vaping devices, 18350 batteries can be utilized in laser pointers, and other small medical devices and other handheld electronics that require a consistent rechargeable power source. Although their capacity is relatively low compared to other larger cells like the 18650. they are quite portable and can be deployed in limited space applications, and their small size is a key attribute.

Conclusion

The battery could be tiny; however, the 18350 battery is a great choice in powering motors, which are compact and high-draining devices. Its rechargeable lithium-ion technology, together with a balance of voltage, size and capacity makes it the ideal accessory for flashlights, vaping devices, as well as laser tools and other electronic devices that have a small space. Simply stated, the 18350 battery demonstrates that even the smallest and most designed cells can provide incredible performance and versatility.

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