Summary of How do the battery testers on battery packages work?
This article explains how disposable battery testers work by combining thermochromic and conductive inks. These inks are printed on packaging to create inexpensive indicators that change color based on the heat generated by electrical resistance when current flows through the tester. The design uses varying widths of conductive ink to show different charge levels, with wider areas requiring more current to trigger a color change in the temperature-sensitive ink.
Parts used in the Battery Tester:
- Thermochromic ink
- Conductive ink
- Normal ink
- Printing press
The little disposable battery testers that you see on batteries or battery packages are a great example of combined technologies — several existing technologies have been combined in a completely new way! Battery testers depend on two special types of ink: thermochromic and conductive inks. Thermochromic ink changes color depending on its temperature. Conductive ink can conduct electricity. By applying layers of these special inks along with a layer of normal ink using a fairly normal printing press, it is possible to create an extremely inexpensive printed design that changes depending on the amount of electricity it receives.
There are two types of thermochromic ink: liquid crystal and leucodye. Liquid crystal based thermochromic ink is sensitive to very small changes in temperature, but it is fairly difficult to manufacture. This makes it perfect for use in items like thermometers where you need the sensitivity, but troublesome in an item that needs to be inexpensive and in which a large, abrupt change in temperature will occur. Leucodyes are specially formulated substances that change from a specific color, like blue, to a clear state when subjected to a temperature change of about 5 degrees F or more. Thermochromic inks can be formulated to change color at specific temperatures. For battery testers, the desired temperature is usually around 100-120 degrees F.
To create a battery tester, you start with a layer of conductive ink that gets progressively narrower as you move across the tester from “good” to “bad.” In the picture above the tester has 3 bars. In other testers the ink is wedge-shaped. The narrowest point indicates the weakest charge; the widest area indicates a full charge. When current passes through the thin layer of conductive ink, resistance in the ink creates heat. A small amount of current can generate enough heat to affect the smallest area of thermochromic ink; but, as the area widens, more current is needed to change colors.
For more detail: How do the battery testers on battery packages work?
- What two special types of ink do battery testers depend on?
Battery testers depend on thermochromic ink and conductive ink. - How does thermochromic ink function in these testers?
Thermochromic ink changes color depending on its temperature. - Which type of thermochromic ink is better for inexpensive items?
Leucodyes are preferred because they are easier to manufacture and cost less than liquid crystal inks. - At what temperature range does the ink usually change color for battery testers?
The desired temperature is usually around 100 to 120 degrees F. - How does the width of the conductive ink indicate charge level?
The widest area indicates a full charge while the narrowest point indicates the weakest charge. - Why does the ink change color when current passes through it?
Resistance in the conductive ink creates heat which triggers the thermochromic ink to change color.
