Portable metal marking machines introduced flexibility, precision, and mobility in industrial markings. Most of the wide working performances of these machines are dependent on batteries that seamlessly operate under varied conditions. Optimizations in performance, therefore, become vital for the batteries in order to operate continuously and extend the lifetime for quality markings. Here is a comprehensive guide on tips necessary for battery performance that are important to portable metal marking machines.

Why is the performance of a battery so important with portable marking machines?

The battery is a source of energy for portable metal marking machines. It means that the work with such machines is possible everywhere, no matter how far from the power outlet you are. Efficient use of a battery means:

• From a productivity viewpoint, it is critically vital that devices can operate longer using one charge.
• This will reduce the frequency at which the batteries are replaced or recharged; hence, reducing cases of downtime.
• Extended battery life reduces overall operating costs.
• Improvement in safety by avoiding potential accidents owing to overheating or malfunctioning of the batteries.

Operators should, therefore, learn how to handle and maintain these batteries so that full benefits can be realized from portable marking tools.

How to Maximize Battery Performance: Best Practices

Some of the best practices to maximize the performance of battery are given below:-

Charge Right, Charge Consistently

Avoid partial charges. Recharge your battery whenever it goes down to about 20-30% of the charge. Most of the modern portable marking machines use lithium-ion batteries, which are degraded by overcharging or constant top-ups. Use a charger recommended by the manufacturer and always unplug after a full charge to increase your batteries’ life.

Avoid Over-Discharging

Running it to zero can cause severe damage, which will cut its capacity and lifetime. Never let the battery completely discharge below 20%, and if the machine shows low battery warnings, you should immediately stop your work and recharge.

Allow Battery Cooling

This is because batteries need to be cooled before their use or recharge after intensive use or charging. All in all, thermal stress influences batteries’ efficiency and hence causes early failure.

Regular cleaning and maintenance

Also, make sure all the contacts of each and every battery and its respective terminal have been cleaned and are free from dust, dirt, or corrosion inside. Generally speaking, it would be good if you cleaned them with a dry cloth from time to time to avoid power loss or intermittent connectivity.

Storage When Not in Use

Store batteries in a cool, dry place and not in direct sunlight or at extremely high temperatures. In long-term storage, it is better to charge the battery up to about 50% and then recharge it again every three to six months, to prevent deterioration.

Scheduling Smoothing Charges (For Lead-Acid Batteries)

In addition, during the life of your lead-acid batteries in your portable metal marking machine, you will want to have an equalization charge after every 5 or 10 cycles. This prevents sulfation buildups and extends the life of your batteries.

Battery Health Monitoring

These should also be periodically checked for swelling, leakage, voltage drop, or abnormal heating to decide on their replacement. These defective batteries have resulted in sudden failures of machines, apart from creating safety hazards in recent times.

Rotate Batteries in Multi-Shifts

Operations operating more than one shift should rotate their batteries whenever possible in an effort to make their use equal and extend the service life of the battery fleet.

Handling Battery Types

Most modern portable models of metal marking machines use lithium-ion batteries. This is because they boast great capacity, lighter weights, and long lives. Some might still be using lead-acid batteries, in which case they have to be watered and equalized with much more precision. Always follow recommendations by the manufacturer with regard to battery type and maintenance.

How to charge a lithium-ion battery

• Charge batteries only in a well-ventilated area and at room temperature.
• Do not expose batteries to moisture while charging.
• Only use chargers provided by the manufacturer of the machine or specifically approved by them.
• Also, avoid immediate charging when it starts getting hot; let it cool down first.

Lithium Ion Battery Storage Best Practices

When possible, Li-ion batteries should not be stored in a fully charged or fully discharged state but in a state of about 40-60% charge, which is the state at which the minimization of capacity loss does not trigger over-discharge protection circuits.

Safety Precautions

• Do not try to dismantle, alter, or pierce the battery.
• Avoid placing the batteries near any heat source, open flame, or in direct sunlight.
• Never drop the batteries, and do not damage them physically in any manner.
• Never dispose of the batteries in landfills, but instead recycle them.
• With proper care given to batteries regularly, the life of portable metal marking machines can be extended.

Regular maintenance of batteries extends the working life of portable metal marking machines

The routine of equalization charges avoids a number of the most common battery problems: sulfation, corrosion, and loss of capacity. Cleaning of contacts and periodical health checks prevent them all. Such routines make sure that batteries work well, machines are always ready for whatever marking job, and that sudden power failures, lowering the quality of markings, are avoided, along with wasting unnecessary money on general replacement costs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Few of the common mistakes that one should avoid are given below:-

• Overcharging or leaving batteries on charge all of the time- overheats and reduces battery cycles.
• Being totally discharged frequently, the useful life for these types of batteries gets reduced considerably.
• Incompatible chargers will damage such a battery and can even be a source of danger.
• Poor cleanliness of batteries causes loss of contact and poor performance.
• Good battery management discipline has and will continue to help the operators in keeping their portable metal marking machines producing quality marks while reducing downtime.

Conclusion

Regular charging, cleaning, and timely maintenance, plus proper storing, will make the battery of your portable metal marking machine effective. All these further contribute to the continuity of operation and, therefore, considerably extend the life of a battery. For portable metal marking machines using powerful battery technologies with a solid design for continued industrial marking, look to MarknStamp. 

Order your MarknStamp machine today for dependable service and professional battery support to keep your marking projects running smoothly!

FAQs

Q: How often should I charge a portable metal marking machine to extend its lifetime?

Charge it when it gets to 20-30%. Whenever possible, avoid overcharging. This will maximize the number of charge cycles with good battery health.

Q: Is it possible to store lithium-ion batteries of portable marking machines in a fully charged condition?

No, store the battery with about 50% charge, and it won’t degrade in capacity while stored for an extended period.

Q: Is there any safety concern associated with replacing batteries on portable metal marking machines?

Only use batteries and chargers approved by the manufacturer, so this device is not damaged and your warranty is not invalidated.