“Things are shrinking, so we’re shrinking around it,” Elias says. “Electronics are becoming embedded, consolidated, optimized, and batteries are the only part of that equation that’s being left behind.”
“Things are shrinking, so we’re shrinking around it,” Elias says. “Electronics are becoming embedded, consolidated, optimized, and batteries are the only part of that equation that’s being left behind.”
It’s interesting, especially for compact or oddly-shaped devices, but I imagine these printed batteries are not great for repairability. The nice thing about cells is that they’re pretty standardized- it’s simple to identify, order, and install a replacement part from your vendor of choice. With these custom batteries, it might not even be possible to replace depending on how the OEM designs the parts, let alone find an alternative if the OEM doesn’t sell replacement parts.
Sounds extremely tempting for manufacturers. Some of them may even make it so you risk cutting through the battery to repair their disposable device. Their device because it’s certainly not yours.
They‘ve been using oddly shaped batteries for phones for probably more than a decade now and no, they‘re not good for repairability at all.