In the booming world of energy storage and electric mobility, cylindrical lithium-ion cells have become the go-to choice for battery packs due to their reliability, high energy density, and ease of assembly. At the heart of these battery packs lies a small but critical component — Nickel Strips, also known as Ni Metal Strips.

These thin, conductive metal connectors are essential for welding cylindrical cells into functional, high-performance battery packs used in everything from electric bikes and power tools to large-scale energy storage systems.

What Are Nickel Strips?

Nickel strips are flat, thin metal strips primarily made of pure nickel (Ni ≥ 99.6%) or nickel-coated materials. They serve as interconnects between battery cells, enabling safe and efficient electrical conduction during both charging and discharging cycles.

Why Use Nickel Strips for Cylindrical Cells?

Cylindrical cells, such as 18650, 21700, and 32650 formats, require reliable, low-resistance connections between terminals. Nickel strips fulfill this requirement with multiple benefits:

✅ Excellent Electrical Conductivity

Nickel offers high electrical conductivity, which ensures minimal power loss and consistent current flow across cells.

✅ Corrosion Resistance

Nickel is inherently resistant to corrosion and oxidation, making it perfect for long-term battery applications.

✅ Superior Weldability

Nickel strips are easy to spot weld onto battery terminals without compromising strength or conductivity — a crucial feature in automated battery pack assembly.

✅ High Melting Point

Nickel's high melting point (1455°C) ensures thermal stability, reducing the risk of strip deformation or failure under heat stress.

Types of Nickel Strips for Cylindrical Cells

  1. Pure Nickel Strips (≥99.6% Ni)

    • Best for high-performance and critical battery packs

    • Preferred in EV batteries and medical devices

    • More expensive but ensures optimal conductivity and corrosion resistance

  2. Nickel-Plated Steel Strips

    • Economical alternative

    • Suitable for low to medium drain applications

    • Lower conductivity and corrosion resistance compared to pure nickel

  3. Customized Nickel Strips (Laser Cut / Stamped)

    • Custom widths, shapes, and patterns for specific cell layouts (e.g., 2P, 3P formats)

    • Reduces manual work and ensures consistency in mass production

Applications of Ni Metal Strips in Cylindrical Battery Packs

  • Electric Vehicles (EVs)

  • E-Bikes and Scooters

  • Power Banks and Portable Electronics

  • Solar Energy Storage Systems

  • Medical Devices

  • RC Toys, Drones, and Robotics

Selecting the Right Nickel Strip

When choosing nickel strips for cylindrical cells, consider the following:

  • Battery current output: Higher current demands require thicker or wider strips.

  • Cell configuration: Series (S) or parallel (P) layouts may need different strip designs.

  • Welding method: Match strip material with welding technique (spot weld, ultrasonic, or laser weld).

  • Environment: For high-humidity or outdoor applications, opt for pure nickel to avoid corrosion.

Conclusion

Nickel strips may be small in size, but they play a massive role in the safety, efficiency, and performance of cylindrical battery packs. Choosing the right nickel strip — whether pure or nickel-coated — ensures your battery system performs reliably over its entire lifecycle.