Blog Description Copyright @AnthonyDotNet http://protechnologies.com Thu, 26 March 2020 12:40:43 Thu, 26 March 2020 12:40:43 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2020/march/covid-19/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2020/march/covid-19/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2020/march/covid-19/ Thu, 26 March 2020 12:40:43 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2019/january/02/get-to-know-pti-s-custom-product-development-process/ At PTI, our engineering and technical teams work closely with clients to develop custom batteries that meet the needs of customers with a large range of applications. Regardless of the complexity, we handle all battery manufacturing processes from conceptual stages to completion, fulfilling even the most demanding specifications. We attribute the resulting high quality of our battery solutions to our engineering process. We adhere to a comprehensive, five-step design process for all of our custom battery designs. This process is tailored to accommodate clients with projects of varying complexities and urgencies, including clients who have already started product design and development. Read on for a detailed overview of our custom development process: Phase 1: Discovery During the discovery phase, we define and document all stakeholder requirements for the battery product design. This ensures that both our client and our team reach the same understanding of the desired product performance and required specifications. Our in-depth discovery phase helps us prevent scope creep, thus significantly reducing the possibility of extended production times and elevated project costs. Phase 2: Preliminary Design After documenting product requirements and approving them with the client, we proceed to the preliminary design stage. In this phase, we develop high-level initial design specifications based on conditions agreed upon during the discovery phase. This process incorporates formalized documentation, including product development sheets and nondisclosure agreements. Outputs from the preliminary design process include diagrams, mechanical concepts, preliminary models, and sketches. We also produce a bill of materials at this stage to provide the client with a quote for the design and development of the product. Phase 3: Design and Development Upon completion of the preliminary design phase, we move the project into design and development. During this stage, our engineering team begins the detailed design of the custom product based on preliminary design phase specifications. Outputs from this phase typically include subassembly prototype testing and validation, full assembly functional prototypes, and preliminary system integration testing. Executable manufacturing packages for all subassemblies make up the resulting output. We then use validated and approved specifications to provide the client with a firm quote for all assembled units as well as any nonrecurring engineering and tooling costs. This phase also involves the review and signing of our First Piece Approval form, which gives our team the go-ahead to proceed with manufacturing the product. Phase 4: Alpha Build We then send the product to the alpha build, which is the first of two testing phases before the final product is released. Upon approval from the client, our team begins the design and testing of all production tooling, production software, and assembly fixtures. During alpha testing, we identify and address any design challenges or issues encountered within the design process. Outputs from the alpha build process include fully assembled prototypes constructed from the previously designed tooling. Alpha builds also allow us to deliver early versions of the battery product to the client for review and feedback. Phase 5: Beta and Release Many battery products undergo a second testing phase, the beta build, before we release it to the client. Here, we apply feedback and improvements towards issues uncovered during the alpha build assessment. The beta build provides an opportunity to further address any additional issues that may arise, and it also facilitates testing for agency approvals and certifications including UL, IEC, and IS. Once all quality checks and certification processes are complete, the product is ready for release.  Why Choose PTI PTI’s custom battery development process ensures that we take the utmost care in tailoring our solutions to each client’s needs. Our collaborative process involves close work with our clients, enabling us to adhere carefully to product requirements while keeping everyone informed during each stage. PTI has built a reputation as one of the leading manufacturers of custom battery solutions throughout our 30 years of operation. Our track record has earned us numerous high-profile clients in the medical, defense, aerospace, communications, and electronics/electrical industries. To discover how PTI can custom-create a custom battery solution for your unique application, contact us today. http://protechnologies.com/blog/2019/january/02/get-to-know-pti-s-custom-product-development-process/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2019/january/02/get-to-know-pti-s-custom-product-development-process/ Wed, 02 January 2019 13:25:38 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2018/december/14/a-successful-2018-at-pti/ ProTechnologies, Inc. (PTI) is closing out a successful 2018, which has been full of innovative projects that have kept us busy and productive. It’s a great time for us to reflect on events and developments that were the highlights of our year. Here is reflecting upon 2018, and what you can expect from PTI in 2019. PTI in 2018 During 2018, we’ve taken on more turnkey design and assembly projects than ever before, mostly smart battery pack and charger design. This has led to growth within our staff, with new team members added to our engineering design and production teams. Our larger team will be critical to our continued growth in 2019. The PTI team attended BIOMEDevice Boston in April to discuss and display our power solutions. Our engineers met with attendees to discuss their engineering challenges and make recommendations for their power needs. This year, BIOMEDevice was held alongside the Design & Manufacturing New England conference and Embedded Systems Conference Boston to deliver a detailed understanding of MedTech and embedded systems developments to attendees. In October, PTI participated in Manufacturing Day and National Customer Service Week celebrations: Manufacturing Day started in 2012, and ever since it has served to dispel public misperceptions surrounding the manufacturing industry and give the world a look at what manufacturing is really like. Manufacturers also use this time to address common industry concerns and challenges. Customer Service Week celebrates the customers who are responsible for our continued growth. PTI is committed to our customers’ satisfaction, delivering timely, highly responsive assistance. Our team aims to provide exceptional service throughout every stage of our projects. A Look Ahead to 2019 ProTechnologies, Inc. anticipates considerable growth in the new year, as we continue to establish new relationships and an increasing amount of our current projects move from design and development into the full production stage. We are committed to building on our 30-year legacy of providing each client with highly tailored services and complete satisfaction. PTI was founded in 1985 and is a trusted custom battery pack manufacturer for a wide range of industries. Our custom battery packs are created at our state-of-the-art facility in North Carolina. PTI continues our support of domestic manufacturing, offering a higher level of accessibility, flexibility, and quality control paired with quicker response times. As we close out 2018 and look ahead to 2019, PTI will continue to offer our customers unmatched value. Our highly skilled in-house team delivers power solutions that exceed expectations. To learn more about what’s new at PTI or about any of our services, contact us today. http://protechnologies.com/blog/2018/december/14/a-successful-2018-at-pti/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2018/december/14/a-successful-2018-at-pti/ Fri, 14 December 2018 15:28:04 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2018/october/24/a-spotlight-on-october-s-manufacturing-celebrations/ October gives manufacturers many great opportunities to celebrate our work, share insights about the industries we serve, and give thanks to the customers who allow our businesses to flourish. Two of these events are Manufacturing Day and Customer Service Week, which both took place earlier this month. In recognition of these key events, we’ve put together some background to share with you. Manufacturing Day Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) began in 2012, started by the Founding Partner Fabricators and Manufacturers Association. Their goal was to provide manufacturers with an opportunity to dispel incorrect perceptions of the industry and show the world what manufacturing really does. Goals include helping individual manufacturers raise their voices while collectively amplifying the common concerns and challenges all manufacturers face, including addressing skilled labor shortages, public image, and connecting with future generations. Six years later, Manufacturing Day is still going strong, working to positively change how the public looks at modern manufacturing. The skilled labor shortage that the industry faces is one we at ProTechnologies (PTI) made a goal to address at the beginning of 2018 . We have made training and bringing new members to our team a priority. Investing in manufacturing’s future generations is an investment in our company’s success, as well as our industry’s success overall. We are building up our manufacturing workforce in order to maintain strong production as we tackle an influx of orders and meet the demands of growing markets, such as medical technology and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). National Customer Service Week National Customer Service Week was recognized by Congress in 1992, eight years after its inception in 1984. Developed by the International Customer Service Group, Customer Service Week aims to aid organizations in rewarding customer service reps, boosting morale, raising awareness of customer service within companies, and reminding customers of each organization’s commitment to their satisfaction. The week-long celebration promotes this message across businesses, government, and industries where customer service is a critical element in running a successful business. Our customers are entirely responsible for our business’s ability to continue. Because of this support, PTI is committed to serving our customers with highly responsive and timely assistance, while creating an overall enjoyable experience for our valued customers. We uphold the standards of National Customer Service week in making sure all efforts are taken to maximize the value we deliver to our customers. A Commitment to Excellence Manufacturing Day and National Customer Service week are perfect opportunities for the ProTechnologies team to revisit our values and ensure they stay in line with the needs of our customers. These events also give us a chance to appreciate each individual’s contributions to our success. Building on these landmark events, the PTI team has been striving for excellence over our more than 30 years of serving the aerospace, automation, defense, and medical sectors, and many other fine industries. We specialize in the custom design and engineering of battery solutions for a range of applications, and our team holds expertise in many different chemistries that fit the specific power needs and applications of our supportive customer base. To learn more about our work and how our team can provide you with a custom battery pack solution that meets the demands of your application, contact us today . http://protechnologies.com/blog/2018/october/24/a-spotlight-on-october-s-manufacturing-celebrations/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2018/october/24/a-spotlight-on-october-s-manufacturing-celebrations/ Wed, 24 October 2018 10:17:39 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2018/september/18/rising-trends-in-the-medical-devices-industry/ The medical device technology industry, which includes a wide range of medical devices from simple thermometers to sophisticated equipment such as programmable pacemakers and imaging systems, has advanced significantly in recent years. According to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) and the U.S. Census Bureau, the national medical devices industry is worth $156 billion, comprising over 6,000 companies with a combined total of more than 500,000 workers. As the retirement population grows and the prevalence of chronic disease continues to rise, innovation and increased capital have been injected into the medical devices industry. Here is a just a glimpse at some of the upcoming trends in the medical devices market.   Defibrillators With one in every four deaths attributed to heart disease, the prevalence of cardiovascular disorders such as valvular stenosis and congenital heart disease has led to an exponential growth in the defibrillator market size. Estimates place the expected annual growth rate at over 7.8% between 2018 and 2025. Also supporting the demand for this market are government legislation and regulations encouraging the use of defibrillators. In 1997, Florida became the first state to enact such a broad public access law. As of 2001, all 50 states have passed laws calling for all public places to have easy access to Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Since then, schools, offices, and other private and public institutions have implemented several defibrillation training programs, further contributing to this market’s growth.   Surgical Robotics Perhaps no other branch of medicine has evolved more over the decades than the surgical field. Since the FDA’s approval of Intuitive Surgical’s da Vinci Surgical System in 2000 and the completion of the first remote transatlantic robot-assisted surgery in 2001, there has been a significant push for the use of surgical robotics. Such high-precision, minimally invasive capabilities have made computer-assisted surgery ideal for complex procedures on delicate organs such as the heart, brain, and prostate. This approach also often reduces patient recovery time and mitigates infections. In 2017, the surgical robot market was valued at $3.6 billion. This value is expected to reach $12.6 billion at the end of 2025, an increase of 250%.   Partnering with PTI As technology in the medical industry continues to advance, so too does the reliance on various types of medical devices. These devices serve many critical functions and are required to meet extremely high performance and reliability demands. Systems that power medical devices must, therefore, be equally up to the task. For over 30 years. PTI has built a reputation as a leading supplier of battery packs for numerous industries including the medical field. Our custom high-quality battery power solutions support continuous innovation in medical devices such as medical bionics, defibrillators, and surgical robotics. We work closely with our clients at every phase of the design process, from proof-of-concept to full custom battery pack manufacturing, to help develop the most suitable power solution for their medical devices. To learn more about our custom-engineered battery packs for the medical industry, contact our technical support team here . http://protechnologies.com/blog/2018/september/18/rising-trends-in-the-medical-devices-industry/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2018/september/18/rising-trends-in-the-medical-devices-industry/ Tue, 18 September 2018 15:36:21 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2018/august/21/the-impact-of-trade-war-tariffs-on-us-manufacturers/ The recent tariffs imposed by the United States government have been dominating the headlines in recent weeks. What isn’t always discussed, however, is the impact these tariffs have on U.S. manufacturers at home. For example, in early July, China responded to U.S. tariffs by placing tariffs of their own on nearly $35 billion in U.S. products. This burgeoning trade war is putting U.S. manufacturers in danger of not being able to afford the components and raw materials they need, and it is affecting their ability to sustain both their business and the economy.  Tariffs of up to 25% on imported good and electronic components are causing a great deal of supply chain stress on manufacturers and producers, raising costs and causing production delays. Raw materials such as lithium, aluminum, and steel – for which many American manufacturers often heavily rely on imports – are experiencing the highest tariffs of all. Even apart from the added cost of tariffs, raw material costs have been increasing over the past few years, mostly due to short supply, paired with increased demand. With so much uncertainty, and no end in sight, how are manufacturers faring in these new market conditions?   Slower Production, Higher Demand Across all industries and sectors, manufacturers are feeling the strain as material prices rise and production times steadily increase. Despite these pressures, the demand for products is not slowing, leading to increased pricing and delivery times for everyone along the supply chain, from producers, to manufacturers, and ultimately to consumers. In the battery industry, lead times for many lithium-ion and electronic components stretch from a standard delivery of 14 weeks to more than six months. As costs continue to rise, manufacturers are facing the threat of even more proposed tariffs being placed on goods made in China, Europe, and other countries—further challenging the ability to source affordable raw materials and products.   Planning Ahead Unfortunately, increasing material costs, supply and demand issues, and tariffs are having serious impacts on day-to-day operations for many manufacturing companies, so how can a business navigate these challenges in order to minimize disruption to their operations? We believe it is through understanding and greater collaboration by taking the following steps: For any new projects, communicate as early as possible with your team and your suppliers to discuss the timelines for design, prototypes, alpha runs, and production runs. This will allow your suppliers to help you select the right components and identify any alternate or back-up sources to help mitigate delivery issues once your project is underway. When possible, place orders well in advance of current lead times, and plan to bring product in-house earlier than the date you would like to have them. Due to increases in lead times and rising component costs, costs and delivery times are certain to fluctuate, however planning ahead may minimize the impact of these fluctuations and prevent you from being in a line-down situation. Due to the continuing volatility of the global market, understand that constant communication within all levels within your organization as well as with your suppliers and customers is key. Regularly communicate product needs and changing forecasts, plan for delays, and place blanket orders in place to minimize those delays. Learn More At PTI, we are always looking for ways to get ahead of the curve in order to help our customers ensure the success of their projects and their business. If you have an active project or anticipate starting a new project sometime in the next 18 months, please contact us as soon as possible to make your project go as smoothly as possible. We are overwhelmed by the understanding and patience exhibited by our customers, whose ongoing support, cooperation, and loyalty mean so much to our business. If you have any questions or concerns about anything discussed above – please do not hesitate to contact us today. http://protechnologies.com/blog/2018/august/21/the-impact-of-trade-war-tariffs-on-us-manufacturers/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2018/august/21/the-impact-of-trade-war-tariffs-on-us-manufacturers/ Tue, 21 August 2018 13:00:17 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2018/july/23/powering-the-next-generation-of-industrial-robots/ Tracking the Growth of Industrial Robots The North American robotics industry broke many statistical records in 2017, according to the Association of Advancing Automation (A3). Order revenue, order units, shipment revenue, and shipment units have all exceeded the sales of years prior. There were $1.9 billion in total industrial robotics sales last year, with manufacturers purchasing 34,904 units in total.  While orders pertaining to automotive manufacturing decreased, non-automotive-related orders increased an additional 21 percent. Consumer goods and food posted a 44% increase in robotic units shipped, industrial metals robotics shipments grew by 54%, and plastic and rubber shipments grew an additional 60%. Machine vision and imaging systems also saw a substantial financial growth increase of 17%. Robotics components have also done quite well, with an 8% growth in shipments on motor and motion control products. Motors, being the largest category in sales, consists of 38% of shipments in total, where mechanical systems and actuators increased by 19%. With this many sectors showing such strong growth, there’s no doubt the robotics field will only continue to trend upward.   Meeting the Need for Sophisticated Large Format Batteries          New advancements in robotics are reshaping many industries and their potential applications are almost limitless—and where there are robotics systems, there are power supplies. New high-tech applications require sophisticated, long-lasting power systems. Where more common batteries might be fine for small self-vacuuming robots, self-driving carts, or other small robots, large industrial robots have more intense demands and require large format batteries to operate more sophisticated power systems. PTI specializes in custom battery solutions of various sizes, including the large format batteries needed to power these advanced robotic systems. We have a team of experienced in-house engineers with up-to-date knowledge and training on the latest in battery technology and power efficiencies to assist you with finding the right large format battery solution to suit your needs.   Contact Us As more advanced robotic systems are being put to use, an equal number of power systems will be needed to support them. PTI always offers our customers the highest level battery design and assembly solutions. Our quality control programs, state-of-the-art equipment, and long-standing relationships with our vendors allow us to produce the highest level of quality at competitive prices. Depending on our customer’s needs, our team of experts can easily come up with the best power solution for your specific application. To learn more about our products and services, please contact us for more information. http://protechnologies.com/blog/2018/july/23/powering-the-next-generation-of-industrial-robots/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2018/july/23/powering-the-next-generation-of-industrial-robots/ Mon, 23 July 2018 12:13:58 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2018/april/06/getting-ready-for-new-england-s-biggest-medtech-event/ From April 18-19 th , hundreds of MedTech suppliers will be showcasing their innovations at BIOMEDevice Boston . The event will take place at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center and give companies a chance to discuss the latest advancements in medical technology. While many tradeshows leave participants to navigate the floor on their own, BIOMEDevice Boston is focused on collaboration. In addition to the usual Expo experience, participants can take part in interactive presentations and ask questions during Tech Theater. Attendees can also join a guided hour-long tour of the show floor that follows a specific theme and highlights relevant technologies on display. This provides a more personalized experience and can help you learn more about the topics you’re interested in. There will also be speed networking sessions to help you connect with like-minded industry professionals. Co-located with BIOMEDevice Boston will be Design & Manufacturing New England and the Embedded Systems Conference (ESC) Boston. All three events work hand-in-hand to provide visitors with a better understanding of the latest developments in MedTech and embedded systems. As a leading designer and manufacturer of custom battery pack assemblies for complex medical devices and other systems, PTI will be on hand to discuss our power solutions. The next generation of medical technologies requires carefully developed support systems to provide uninterrupted power where it’s needed most. Our engineers will be on hand at Booth #767 to discuss engineering challenges and make recommendations. If you aren’t able to join us at the show, feel free to contact us online or call 1-800-333-1375 to learn more about our custom battery pack solutions. You can also follow us on Twitter for additional information and updates from the show. http://protechnologies.com/blog/2018/april/06/getting-ready-for-new-england-s-biggest-medtech-event/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2018/april/06/getting-ready-for-new-england-s-biggest-medtech-event/ Fri, 06 April 2018 11:51:19 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2018/february/28/from-smart-door-locks-to-wi-fi-lighting-iot-is-driving-the-custom-battery-packs-market/ By the time 2020 comes around, it’s estimated there will be 30.7 billion connected devices in the world. With no sign of slowing down, it’s understood that the Internet of Things isn’t just a movement or fad, it is tomorrow’s way of life. Opening Doors with Your Mobile Phone Soon, you may be able to hand over the responsibility of buying groceries to your smart fridge. Already, these appliances can help take an inventory of what you have and what you need for tonight’s dinner. In the meantime, other advancements have already entered the home. Smart thermostats use geofencing to sense the presence of inhabitants and adjust the heating and cooling through connected HVAC systems. Newer, smarter door locks can pick up the signal from authorized smartphones to bypass the use of physical keys. These technologies are already a reality, and they’re growing in popularity. More and more every day appliances come embedded with sensors that allow them to communicate with other devices in their vicinity. We are racing towards a future where a common pool of information will exist in the cloud to solve problems before they happen. It’s not just for the consumer market! The industrial market is increasingly reliant upon IoT devices, from asset tracking to warehouse management. Innovative Devices Require New Sources of Power The Internet of Things is massive, and there is no stopping the juggernaut. However, all these tech advances require significant supporting infrastructure and products. Custom battery packs in particular are seeing heightened demand to accommodate this growing sector. Wireless devices need power to operate. New battery packs have to be light weight, streamlined, and resistant to frequent power drains. Durability is also important to account for exposure to dust and water. In short, legacy power sources are not designed to keep up with the Internet of Things. So, further investment is needed to fully take advantage of IoT capabilities. Custom Battery Pack Solutions ProTechnologies is a market leader in the custom battery pack arena. We have the tools, the experience and the know-how to design, engineer, prototype and produce made-to-order solutions that meet the needs of the IoT. We’ve worked with companies of all sizes to develop power solutions for a wide range of products. Want to power your next big idea? Discuss your battery pack needs with us. http://protechnologies.com/blog/2018/february/28/from-smart-door-locks-to-wi-fi-lighting-iot-is-driving-the-custom-battery-packs-market/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2018/february/28/from-smart-door-locks-to-wi-fi-lighting-iot-is-driving-the-custom-battery-packs-market/ Wed, 28 February 2018 08:20:46 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2018/january/25/planning-for-growth-in-2018/ Our main priority is building up our manufacturing workforce to maintain strong production. This means a greater focus on training to make sure the team is ready to handle the influx of orders coming in. We are also recruiting to support sales growth, but want to make sure our manufacturing workforce is ready to hit the ground running before anything else. Also supporting our sales growth, our teams in purchasing and customer service work to make sure we have the necessary materials and are building strong relationships with our vendors. While our products are central to our success, there are many groups that have a hand in growing our business. In particular, we’re putting greater focus on our manufacturer’s representatives this year. We’ve hired several new reps to cover different geographic regions to support our customers on a more local basis. This will help us relate better to the needs of our customers and determine what types of products might be more popular in different areas. It’s common for certain regions to manufacture certain products (like how Silicon Valley in California is known for being a tech hub), so our local reps will be able to meet specific needs and inform our strategy. So far this year, we’ve already seen significant growth from the medical technology and OEM sectors. We look forward to seeing what other trends develop as the year unfolds. As we see these developments, we’ll continue to adjust our strategy and support our teams to ensure we’re meeting the needs of each client. We couldn’t do this without all the client referrals we have received. We are thankful for happy customers, and it is our intention to always keep our customers happy! http://protechnologies.com/blog/2018/january/25/planning-for-growth-in-2018/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2018/january/25/planning-for-growth-in-2018/ Thu, 25 January 2018 10:09:33 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/november/06/gearing-up-for-biomedevice-san-jose/ Mark your calendar for the beginning of December to attend the event touted as “Silicon Valley’s Premier Event for Medtech Professionals.” We’re talking about the tenth annual BIOMEDevice San Jose, and PTI is pleased to be participating this year. What to Expect at the Show Find out the latest in medtech innovation at this highly-interactive event in San Jose that features some of the leading minds in the industry. Connect with over 2,000 engineers and execs, not to mention 300 top suppliers (including us!). The show, which features a conference and expo, combines end-to-end product and service education with trailblazing solutions. Learn about research and product development from expert speakers at the conference and take in the expo floor that features industry suppliers and educates through demos, presentations, and teardowns. Why it’s “The” Place to Be If you’re involved in Silicon Valley’s medical device design and manufacturing sector, then you will want to check out this showcase. From learning upcoming industry trends to how to get your product or service to market faster, there are many insights to gain at BIOMEDevice San Jose’s conference component. On the expo floor, attendees can enjoy opportunities to network, see the latest products and ask industry leaders questions to overcome issues with their own projects. PTI will be an exhibitor at San Jose this year, demonstrating our battery pack and energy storage systems for medical devices to manufacturers as part of the show. We enjoy exhibiting at BIOMEDevice shows, where we have the opportunity to meet and engage with design engineers. When is BIOMEDevice San Jose? The much-anticipated event will take place Wednesday, December 6 through Thursday, December 7, 2017, at the San Jose Convention Center. Pre-registration through the event website is necessary to attend. How to Find Us There Want to learn more about finding the right battery solution for your medical device? Meet the PTI team at Booth # 537. See our energy storage products for yourself and feel free to ask us questions. We look forward to connecting with you. http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/november/06/gearing-up-for-biomedevice-san-jose/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/november/06/gearing-up-for-biomedevice-san-jose/ Mon, 06 November 2017 15:23:07 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/october/06/finding-a-partner-for-energy-storage-system-design-and-manufacturing/ In the medical industry, there is a lot of pressure for companies to meet FDA regulations. Understandably, products must meet specific quality standards to ensure they are safe for patient use and will maintain their reliability over time. Because of these requirements, a number of medical technology companies seek strict oversight and control over every part of the production process. But in other cases, companies are looking for a manufacturing partner with experience to take the lead. Lately, ProTechnologies has been seeing more of the latter, with customers asking us to take more of a leading role in the design of the entire power system. This includes battery pack design, circuitry, chargers, and plastic components. Because we have a long history of design and engineering in the medical space, we have an in-depth knowledge of designing battery packs and charging systems to meet our customers’ specific requirements, including regulatory requirements. Our process typically involves customers telling us about their specific requirements, and allowing us to design a power system around that. Once we have their approval on the design, we get to work on the engineering and manufacturing of the product. We offer state-of-the-art battery production facilities, ISO quality control programs and an experienced team of engineers who work with customers to ensure we are addressing their needs. Choosing an all-inclusive manufacturing partner takes a lot of trust, which is why we work so hard to deliver the best possible solutions for our customers. We understand how high the stakes are in the medical space, and do not take this role lightly. By providing high quality battery pack solutions for medical products, we can be a part of lifesaving technological development. To learn more about our battery production capabilities for the medical space, feel free to contact us online , or by calling 1-800-333-1375. http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/october/06/finding-a-partner-for-energy-storage-system-design-and-manufacturing/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/october/06/finding-a-partner-for-energy-storage-system-design-and-manufacturing/ Fri, 06 October 2017 08:28:01 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/august/18/how-drones-can-improve-accessibility-in-remote-locations/ The field of healthcare and emergency services has seen some of the most interesting innovations that will become more common as Federal Aviation Administration guidelines are continually relaxed. Drones have been used to deliver crucial medications in hard-to-reach areas such as the Appalachian mountain region of Southern Virginia and depopulated towns in rural Mississippi. In Africa, the United Nations has used drone technology to distribute products to isolated areas of Ghana where doctors are sparse. In parts of the world where medical labs are few and far between, drones can ferry blood samples for testing and return the results in a fraction of the time it used to take. Other African nations such as Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Mozambique are considering implementing these techniques to reduce delivery times from days to mere hours. These logistical advances have also been put to use in consumer markets. Domino’s has already delivered pizza by drone in New Zealand and e-commerce giant Amazon has tested drone deliveries through their Amazon Prime Air program. They hope to reduce shipping costs to less than one dollar per shipment. Reduced shipping costs can reduce prices for consumers and increase profits for shareholders while also improving customer satisfaction with even faster deliveries. The oil and gas industries have also found ways to implement drone technology. Energy companies are using specially-designed drones to inspect pipeline leaks and malfunctions in isolated terrain that would require days for manned crews to check, saving money and time while reducing environmental damage. At refineries, drilling rigs, and other facilities, drones are used to inspect dangerous areas of the facility that previously required great safety risk for human operators to access. The aftermath scene of a tornado, flood or fire and the hard-to-reach roofs, smokestacks, or even cell towers hundreds of feet above the ground provide ample opportunities for drones to prove their worth. These advances are only the tip of the iceberg in regard to new business and industry opportunities possible with drones. Want to create the next specialized drone fleet? We can design and manufacture a custom battery pack for your project. http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/august/18/how-drones-can-improve-accessibility-in-remote-locations/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/august/18/how-drones-can-improve-accessibility-in-remote-locations/ Fri, 18 August 2017 10:42:40 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/july/26/the-importance-of-growth-and-training-in-manufacturing/ With so much focus on the skills-gap and a generation of retiring workers in manufacturing, it’s no wonder companies are investing in training and apprenticeship programs. While skilled labor may be hard to come by, there’s usually a wealth of trainable talent that’s still looking for an opportunity. At ProTechnologies, we’ve seen some new opportunities and growth among our existing customer base. To meet this demand, we’ve been onboarding new technicians. We’ll often hire a group of people and then provide the necessary training to help them succeed. We understand that not everyone has the exact skill-set required for custom battery design and manufacturing, so we help those who are interested to get their careers off the ground. But we don’t stop at training employees – we extend our trainings to customers, too. We frequently host Lunch and Learns for dozens of engineers. At these events, we have an engineer with decades of experience leading the training to discuss considerations when designing custom battery packs. By having an educated customer base, it’s easier for everyone to come together to design a reliable product that can be realistically manufactured. This helps bring customers to the forefront of design to prevent any issues that would later snag the manufacturing process. Our goal is always to design for manufacturability, which helps us keep things on track and deliver each product on time with limited setbacks. Custom battery manufacturing can be a major benefit for electronic producers, but it does come with its own unique challenges. By hosting these training events and explaining pertinent challenges and solutions, we provide a foundation that allows customers to better understand what’s really feasible. It also helps them determine what type of battery solution that will be most beneficial. To learn more about our Lunch and Learns and schedule one for your team, feel free to contact us online or call us at (800) 333-1375. We look forward to hearing from you! http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/july/26/the-importance-of-growth-and-training-in-manufacturing/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/july/26/the-importance-of-growth-and-training-in-manufacturing/ Wed, 26 July 2017 14:54:13 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/june/14/the-benefits-of-working-with-a-us-based-battery-manufacturer-1/ When developing a product, finding the right suppliers can be just as challenging as the design process itself. You’ll need to find service providers who are capable of doing the job you need, while also addressing time constraints and quality commitments. Though it may seem daunting, the process can be made a lot easier by choosing to work with US based suppliers. Within the scope of battery design, working with US battery manufacturers has a number of advantages. Supply Chain Reliability When products are ordered from overseas, there is a greater potential for logistical issues. Shipping alone will often be more expensive and have longer lead times. There’s also the possibility of items getting lost during transit, or shipments being delayed due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Working with domestic battery suppliers reduces supply chain risks and provides greater oversight of your orders. Regulatory & Compliance Controls Working with a US based manufacturing company should ensure that your products are being created according to strict quality requirements . ISO standards create a specific process for quality control. At PTI, we maintain certifications for ISO 13485:2003 and ISO 9001:2008. We also follow all recommendations for the safe transportation of lithium batteries so that our customers can be assured their orders will arrive safely. Customer Support Working with people in other time zones can lead to scheduling difficulties when you need to speak with someone. Communication can also be difficult when corresponding with suppliers who may have a limited grasp of your language. Selecting battery suppliers in the United States eliminates most of these concerns. Even if a representative is located in another time zone, there are usually a few hours of overlapping time during the day to schedule calls. PTI is a US based custom battery pack manufacturer . We assist customers through all stages of design and production to create the exact product they need. Our commitment to quality and decades of experience allow us to meet even the most unique battery needs. If you have a question and would like to learn more about our capabilities, feel free to contact us online or call (800) 333 – 1375. http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/june/14/the-benefits-of-working-with-a-us-based-battery-manufacturer-1/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/june/14/the-benefits-of-working-with-a-us-based-battery-manufacturer-1/ Wed, 14 June 2017 08:08:36 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/may/24/considerations-when-designing-life-saving-medical-devices/ "If you think good design is expensive, you should look at the cost of bad design." –Ralf Speth No matter what type of product you’re creating, it pays to get it right the first time. While improvements can be made and released over time, you don’t want to release a product before all components have undergone rigorous testing and research. This is especially true in the medical field, where a bad design can affect someone’s quality of life. Always remember that the true costs of bad design go beyond dollars. Top Considerations in Medical Device Design Safety and Reliability Safety and reliability head the priority list when designing devices for the medical industry. In this fast paced world, there’s increasing pressure to shorten the time-to-market of any new device. More and more companies are outsourcing different aspects of the design to experts in specific fields, which allows for better utilization of internal resources. When choosing a design partner, it is a good idea to find one that meshes well with your team. Communication is the number one way to guarantee a great partnership. References should always be requested. This old saying still holds true: “your design is only as good as its weakest link,” so make sure your choice is one that represents you best. Designing a quality device starts with quality materials as well as top tier vendors. The medical industry is no place for sub-par components or suppliers. The availability of comprehensive testing and supporting data can help ease the decision-making process for critical components. Know your market, the regulations, testing, and certifications required for entry into your market, and plan ahead for this process. Consider product safety testing and timelines in all aspects of your design. Quality and reliability are byproducts of a good design! Thermal Management Think about your computer or laptop; it has a built in fan. This is because electronic components have a habit of producing heat, and in order to run efficiently, they need to balance the heat load. In smaller devices, there’s typically no room for a cool-down mechanism like a fan (which is why so many devices have been in the news for blowing up in people’s pockets, where there’s more thermal insulation). This can be a huge problem in the medical field since so many devices are exposed to human body heat. Especially in implantable devices, designers must think of ways to dissipate heat . Battery Life and Backup Power When people depend on life-saving medical devices, it’s crucial that the power source is long lasting. Another consideration is whether it’s possible to include a back-up power option in case the battery is running low, and the user is not in a position to change or recharge it. During natural disasters this can be a life or death situation. For this reason, think of all possibilities for power, and make sure it’s easy for patients to manage on their own. There may be times when they can’t get to a hospital, so you must plan for any situation in your design. When designing medical equipment and devices, there are many factors to keep in mind. All of them focus on ease of use and dependability to ensure the best possible outcomes. If you have any questions about how to choose a power source for medical devices, let us know and we’ll work with you to find the best solution. http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/may/24/considerations-when-designing-life-saving-medical-devices/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/may/24/considerations-when-designing-life-saving-medical-devices/ Wed, 24 May 2017 09:31:41 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/april/19/things-to-look-forward-to-at-biomedevice-boston/ The countdown is on for BIOMEDevice Boston , the biggest medtech event in New England. What is BIOMEDevice Boston? In partnership with MassMEDIC, this powerhouse event will provide insights into the latest end-to-end products and service solutions in medtech. Expect more than 4,000 engineers and executives, as well as hundreds of suppliers, to attend the two-day event in May. In addition, the 2017 BIOMEDevice Boston event pass provides you access to three more expos: PLASTEC New England, Embedded Systems Conference Boston, and Design & Manufacturing New England. Why Attend BIOMEDevice Boston? The expo provides access to prominent medtech industry suppliers who provide the products and services to overcome challenges with your medical devices, all under one roof. At Center Stage, attend presentations and demonstrations to learn more about the industry. The Tech Theater is where exhibitors will show their newest tech components and unveil solutions you did not even know existed! Visit over 400 suppliers on the expo floor, and take part in speed-networking events where you can meet and connect with other professionals in five-minute sessions to help move along your projects with maximum efficiency. When is BIOMEDevice Boston? The show runs from Wednesday, May 3 to Thursday, May 4, 2017, and takes place at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Visit ProTechnologies at BIOMEDevice Boston We are proud to be an exhibitor on the expo floor again this year, as a leading manufacturer in the medtech industry. At booth #466, we will have product development engineers on-site to answer questions about custom battery design, as well as charger design and assembly. Register online through the expo website to ensure you do not miss this exciting event. http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/april/19/things-to-look-forward-to-at-biomedevice-boston/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/april/19/things-to-look-forward-to-at-biomedevice-boston/ Wed, 19 April 2017 12:39:46 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/march/20/lithium-ion-limited-availability-and-heightened-demand/ The world has seen dramatic changes in the past several decades when it comes to technology, and one thing has come to light: green technology needs lithium ion. Lithium is essential for products that need rechargeable batteries. Everything from cell phones to laptops to electric vehicles use it. Currently, the location of many of the world’s natural lithium resources are located in Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, the U.S., China, and Australia. While many products that use lithium require only a small amount, it shows up in many products, making it a hot commodity.   Globally, mining companies and lithium producers are rushing to get enough to supply to companies like battery and electric vehicle manufacturers. The biggest need looks to be with the new, increasing demand for electric vehicles (EV). Leading the way is Elon Musk, co-founder of Tesla Motors. It’s predicted his company will produce up to 500,000 electric vehicles by the year 2020. That alone will create a significant need for lithium ion, and since electric vehicles seem to be the wave of the future, that demand will likely rise. The demand from Tesla and other EV manufacturers will also create a supply shortage for other companies that need the in-demand lithium.   Currently, the forecast for lithium battery demand shows a growing increase from more than a few research firms. When combined, the data shows a significant increase in compound annual growth rates (CAGR) for these batteries by anywhere from 22 percent to 41 percent through the year 2020. As more and more drivers embrace going green, those numbers could significantly rise to a much larger number over the coming years.   With the rise in demand, companies will need to secure lithium from reliable sources. Starting this year, lead times look to be longer than ever, therefore, securing at least two different battery manufacturers that are approved for battery pack orders should be established. That way, should one manufacturer have difficulty producing cells in a timely manner, companies can go to their second source to reduce or eliminate downtime. ProTechnologies, Inc (PTI) has relationships with several lithium ion battery manufacturers, thus we are able to offer our customers options to help mitigate supply shortages.   ProTechnologies, Inc. serves a wide range of industries, from aerospace to medical to defense and everything in between. We offer battery pack solutions and are a trusted manufacturer for custom battery packs. At PTI, we understand specific requirements and translate that into the right solution for any battery need. http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/march/20/lithium-ion-limited-availability-and-heightened-demand/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/march/20/lithium-ion-limited-availability-and-heightened-demand/ Mon, 20 March 2017 10:21:01 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/february/20/top-considerations-when-choosing-a-battery-pack-and-charger-supplier/ With cordless devices on the upswing to increase portability and convenience, many manufacturers are left with the challenge of finding reliable power sources for their products. There are many things to consider when choosing a battery pack and charger supplier. Here, we’ve outlined a few items to look out for when selecting a partner to design and build your battery pack and charger.   Diverse Product Range – Ideally you’ll want to find a company that can supply both the battery packs and the chargers to go with them. It’s much easier to have one point of contact that is familiar with all of the parts you’re looking for, and is knowledgeable about how each product will work separately and together. Additionally, if there are issues with either product, you’ll have one representative who can take stock of the situation and determine which piece needs to be fixed or replaced. This provides greater accountability since there’s no chance of finger-pointing who is to blame for a failure.   Communications and Support – This goes along with the first point in that you’re looking for a company that will work with you to find the best possible solutions. Representatives should be reasonably accessible and able to point you in the right direction should a question come up during the process. Look for a supplier who is willing to troubleshoot issues to find solutions, and that stands by their products.   Ease of Design and Functionality – While many industrial buyers are focused on price, consider the value behind a product before making any decisions. You want a battery pack and charging solution that will be easy to incorporate into your own merchandise, and that will make your end-customer’s life easier, too. If you end up with a power solution that is unreliable, takes too long to charge, or simply doesn’t hold a charge, that will undermine all your efforts to provide a superior product for your customers. Batteries may be considered an afterthought by many people, but if they don’t work well in the long run, they can completely derail an otherwise successful product launch.   Need more advice on how to select a battery pack supplier? ProTechnologies, Inc. has been leading the way in designing and manufacturing power solutions for just about any industrial application. We can create custom products to suit your needs, and guide you toward the right power supply and charging options. And because we provide battery and charging products, you’ll have one point of contact to make the process as streamlined as possible. For more information, feel free to call us at 1-800-333-1375 or email sales@protechnologies.com . http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/february/20/top-considerations-when-choosing-a-battery-pack-and-charger-supplier/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2017/february/20/top-considerations-when-choosing-a-battery-pack-and-charger-supplier/ Mon, 20 February 2017 12:04:27 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/november/28/navigating-through-safety-guidelines-for-lithium-ion-battery-transportation/ The Samsung Battery Issue As more lithium-based batteries, which require extra safety precautions, enter the marketplace, we see more instances like the faulty Samsung mobile phone battery. The lithium battery-powered Galaxy Note 7 smartphone was officially recalled on September 15 by the Consumer Product Safety Commission after 96 cases of overheating and explosions were reported. The Samsung battery defect was associated with 13 reports of burns and 47 reports of property damage. The problems have proven scary for airlines who fear a reoccurrence of incidents of overheating during flight and, potentially, the lithium-ion battery catching on fire. Steps by the FAA to Improve Safety In response to the problem, the FAA released a strong recommendation to passengers not to turn on or charge the devices while on a plane, as well as not to stow them in checked baggage. Also, the FAA instructed passengers to disable any features that may accidently turn on the Note 7. A week later, the FAA officially banned the device from being aboard a plane at all due to the risks related to the lithium ion battery. Reaction of the Department of Transportation As for the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), their response to the battery safety issue has been to propose harmonizing U.S. hazardous material guidelines with international hazardous transport standards. If these regulations are finalized, all American shippers and transporters of lithium batteries would have to follow them. One security update would require a new standard lithium battery mark for small lithium button cells and batteries across all types of transportation. The Future of Lithium Battery Handling With the goal to maximize safety, the FAA and Department of Transportation have both stepped up to protect aircraft passengers and airlines. Exactly how the American hazardous material guidelines will change has yet to be seen. In light of the recent issues with the lithium ion batteries in Samsung Note 7 smartphones, we wouldn’t be surprised to see even more stringent regulations in the future. UPS and FedEx have both updated their air shipping regulations for lithium-based batteries, and continue to enforce stringent requirements. At PTI, we help our customers navigate regulations that apply to their battery packs to make sure they are within compliance will all standards and regulations. We stay current on the issue here at ProTechnologies, Inc. and update our wide range of battery pack solutions and related products as required. We look forward to providing you more related industry updates soon. http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/november/28/navigating-through-safety-guidelines-for-lithium-ion-battery-transportation/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/november/28/navigating-through-safety-guidelines-for-lithium-ion-battery-transportation/ Mon, 28 November 2016 14:54:29 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/september/21/let-s-do-lunch/ Do you hate working through lunch? We do too except when we bring our Lunch & Learn (L&L) battery training program to customers looking for more battery-related information. During L &L, working through lunch is something we look forward to! Unlike other companies that send information or just take phone calls, we provide our customers with a wonderful, on-site, person-to-person resource. The Lunch & Learn program is designed to bring the latest in battery innovation, technology, and knowledge directly to those who need it, and we bring lunch! Our battery experts will come to your facility to host a luncheon with the professionals involved in all aspects of product development. Discussions revolve around battery design, regulations, design capabilities, capacity, and shipping regulations. Each Lunch & Learn event can be specialized for a specific topic pertaining to a specific requirement or a broader, more general presentation covering information that is important for safe battery pack design. Designers and engineers will benefit greatly from having a valuable guide and checklist to refer to when developing their product. Let our experts help your team navigate through new battery technologies, develop the best design, or troubleshoot new battery pack development. Through this program we bring the complete knowledge base of our company right to you with the added benefit of lunch being on us! http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/september/21/let-s-do-lunch/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/september/21/let-s-do-lunch/ Wed, 21 September 2016 12:47:45 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/august/29/building-success-through-partnerships/ What does it mean to be successful? Is it reaching a goal? Is it achieving popularity, profit, or prosperity? Is it making a difference? Success means different things to different people. For us, being successful means delivering battery pack solutions that contribute to the success of the end product. Think of it like this: the success of a customer’s product leads to more business for PTI and the quality products we provide to that customer leads to the success of their products. It’s a circular success model and we are invested to support all of our customers in manufacturing the highest quality products. When we begin a project with a customer, we consider them our partner. We want their product to go to market and be successful. That means we do whatever we can to ensure safety, functionality, and quality in the product and battery solution. Through custom design and engineering services, our expertise and experience allows us to support customers with any type of manufacturing or troubleshooting challenge.  If a problem arises before a product reaches the market we make every effort to solve the problem and offer solutions to ensure that it will go to market trouble free. We know that partnerships are built on trust. Our customers know that they can trust us to always provide the best for their products. When they are successful we are successful. That’s what success means to us. http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/august/29/building-success-through-partnerships/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/august/29/building-success-through-partnerships/ Mon, 29 August 2016 10:45:09 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/july/20/pti-shows-their-appreciation/ Our employees are the best! We couldn’t ask for a better group. Their loyalty and hard work is what makes PTI the great company that it is. We are successful because of the people who choose to spend their days with us solving problems, overcoming challenges, and delivering high-quality products. Since it’s summer (and summertime should bring some funtime!), we like to offer our employees a chance to slow down for a bit and enjoy the nice weather. One of our summer traditions is hosting cook-outs so that everyone can relax, have some great food, and unwind with their co-workers. We’ve had two cook-outs so far this summer and they have been a great success. PTI couldn’t be a premier supplier of battery solutions without our employees who work diligently every day. We recognize and appreciate all they do for us in delivering innovative and reliable power solutions. Maintaining a strong employee relationship is extremely important to us at PTI and we value all of their hard work and dedication to their job. HAPPY SUMMER! http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/july/20/pti-shows-their-appreciation/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/july/20/pti-shows-their-appreciation/ Wed, 20 July 2016 11:28:18 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/june/22/protechnologies-took-an-excursion-to-the-big-apple-to-check-out-mdm-east/ One aspect of our business is attending and exhibiting at trade shows. These shows are designed to bring developers, designers, and customers together with manufacturers and suppliers. There isn’t a better way to reach a large audience of like-minded individuals. One show we haven’t yet attended has been MD&M East . So, with our curiosity peaked, we headed to NYC to check out the Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) Conference and Expo. Information on every aspect of medical device development is available through educational seminars, medical-focused learning tracks, panel discussions, and exhibitions. Planning for a day trip meant an early flight and a late return. The expo featured over 500 exhibitors and we must have walked miles through the exhibit hall to get a feel for the attendees and exhibitors. A main reason we wanted to see what MD&M is all about is to see if there are any potential customers who could use our services. We want to make sure that companies requiring reliable power sources have the opportunity to learn about all that PTI has to offer. We are dedicated to the industry and the medical devices patients depend on. We were very interested in the types of companies attending the show and are considering being an exhibitor next year. It isn’t definite yet but if we do decide to attend we’ll let you know! http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/june/22/protechnologies-took-an-excursion-to-the-big-apple-to-check-out-mdm-east/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/june/22/protechnologies-took-an-excursion-to-the-big-apple-to-check-out-mdm-east/ Wed, 22 June 2016 11:13:07 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/may/25/ensuring-battery-safety-is-part-of-pti-s-company-wide-safety-procedures/ Staying safe is a concept we learn at a very young age. Our parents are the first to teach us about safety, and we all learn more as we get older. Safety even has its own awareness month—June—to make people alert to safety issues at work, at home, and on the roads. However, there are aspects of safety that we can’t control on our own. Sometimes we must rely on others to make sure the products we use are, and will continue to be, safe. A current safety issue affecting our industry is the damage lithium batteries can cause if they aren’t manufactured or assembled properly. In fact, because of fires associated with lithium batteries, there are restrictions on shipping them. All lithium-based batteries and battery packs must undergo UNDoT testing. In addition, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) advises the industry on meeting compliance regulations for transporting lithium batteries to protect the airlines and their passengers. Even with all these government regulations, UPS and other carriers also have additional strict regulations for shipping lithium batteries by ground and air service. The reason for these types of regulations is due to the high levels of energy in lithium batteries. The electrical energy within the batteries can generate a great amount of heat if a short circuit occurs. If inappropriately designed or assembled, the chemical in the batteries may ignite under the high heat conditions. So, how can you feel safe using products made with lithium batteries? The answer is simple: put your trust in a company who understands lithium batteries and their potential. Because we have been in the battery business for over 30 years, we have the engineering capabilities to design, manufacture, and test batteries to ensure that they meet all safety requirements.   Through our testing and analyzing services, we offer battery programming and cycling to meet any customer requirement. All our customers receive battery assemblies that have been fully tested. Often our customers require testing to meet UL, IEC, CE, CTick, and CSA standards and are in compliance with EU battery directive/RoHS and WEEE Directive. Multiple intrinsic safety standards and marking/labeling compliance are also standard operating procedures, depending on the industry for which the device is being developed. We are so sure of our quality that our battery assemblies come with a lifetime warranty on our workmanship. Personal safety is an issue for each one of us in all parts of our lives. At PTI we must not only consider safety for ourselves and our employees, but we must also consider the safety of our power solutions and the people who use them. This is an issue we take very seriously.  We are committed to providing consistently safe battery assemblies. For battery pack solutions that will safely power your equipment or devices, contact the experts at PTI today! http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/may/25/ensuring-battery-safety-is-part-of-pti-s-company-wide-safety-procedures/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/may/25/ensuring-battery-safety-is-part-of-pti-s-company-wide-safety-procedures/ Wed, 25 May 2016 11:02:44 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/april/28/protechnologies-attended-biomed-show-heres-everything-to-know-if-you-missed-it/ As we mentioned in a previous blog , BIOMEDevice, an MD&M event is the show we look forward to all year, and it didn’t disappoint! We headed up to Boston with our exhibits and our enthusiasm to connect with professionals working on new innovative medical devices. As the largest medical technology event in this region, BIOMEDevice brings together medical technology education, engineers, and developers with solution providers. In the past, PTI has made lasting connections with engineers who are designing the latest medical devices. This year was no different, as the large turnout kept us very busy! It’s not an exaggeration to say that our booth was mobbed. Many of the attendees are designing new medical equipment, and are at a stage where they need to secure a battery pack vendor. Chatting with the engineers helped us learn what they needed and understand what’s best for their application. Randy, our sales engineer, explained all the chemistry options available, regulations for medical devices, and overall best designs for battery pack solutions. As experts in the battery pack world, we shared information they should keep in mind so their device will be composed of the highest quality components. So many people came by our booth that we barely had time to walk the show, however we are happy to have been able to connect with some of our loyal customers, and recognize many familiar faces. The responses were received were overwhelmingly positive. The emerging medical equipment currently being developed will soon be helping patients. We are honored to be part of the medical device community through our battery packs and power solutions. Thanks to UBMBoston and BIOMED for another great show! We are already looking forward to next year! http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/april/28/protechnologies-attended-biomed-show-heres-everything-to-know-if-you-missed-it/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/april/28/protechnologies-attended-biomed-show-heres-everything-to-know-if-you-missed-it/ Thu, 28 April 2016 09:09:06 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/march/25/premium-results-are-achieved-using-premium-products/ Premium products deliver results that surpass other, ordinary brands. “Premium” is an incredibly accurate label in the world of batteries. Results achieved with premium brands far outweigh results when lower cost and technologically inferior brands are used. As experts in battery design & operation, we know how batteries work and which ones supply power most efficiently and last the longest. We have a strong working relationship with the leading battery manufacturers such as Duracell, Panasonic, Moli Energy, FDK, K2, and Energizer. We only partner with the best to ensure the highest quality products for each of our customers. If we delivered weak batteries, it would lead to unhappy customers who couldn’t trust in our products. Because our customers believe in our products, and trust our judgment, they’re confident when we recommend the best battery for their application. Choosing the right battery solution depends primarily on the application. For rechargeable applications we recommend Panasonic or Moli Energy batteries. Applications requiring premier Lithium ion batteries perform optimally with either brand. For another rechargeable option, Nickel-metal hydride, we rely on batteries from Panasonic, FDK, or Saft to meet the high-quality standards we expect to incorporate into our custom solutions. We realize that high quality doesn’t come cheap. Since our customers are producing high-end goods, they need the top quality power solution to support their products. Many of the vendors we work with refer product design engineers to us for collaboration on new opportunities. By partnering with our vendors, our team receives engineering support from battery technicians who enhance our ability to provide our customers with new innovative and customized products. Our relationship with trusted, brand name companies lets you rest easy knowing that the battery in your device is of the highest quality, and will deliver long-lasting power. http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/march/25/premium-results-are-achieved-using-premium-products/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/march/25/premium-results-are-achieved-using-premium-products/ Fri, 25 March 2016 08:57:46 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/march/03/protechnologies-will-be-attending-biomedevice-2016-conference-and-expo/ We had so much success with this prestigious gathering in 2015, that we have been looking forward to exhibiting again at BIOMEDevice 2016 since last year! Offering innovation, inspiration, and education for the medical manufacturing industry, BIOMEDevice 2016 is part of New England’s most comprehensive design and manufacturing event. Bringing more than 3,000 medical device industry leaders, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and suppliers together under one roof leads to shared solutions and valuable insights into the future of the industry and markets. This event takes place on April 13-14 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in Boston, MA. Our team of ProTechnologies’ engineers and designers will be on hand in Booth #961 to answer questions and address technical concerns involving new ideas as well as existing products.  It is an ideal opportunity for us to meet people, learn about the new projects being developed, and discuss innovative ideas and technologies of the future. We are currently designing battery packs for ground-breaking ideas and projects based upon connections we made at last year’s show. Our customers realize the benefits of working with a world-class company such as PTI. We are again looking forward to connecting with current and new customers at this year’s show, and to spreading the word about our trusted capabilities and products. If you are attending, we’d love for you to stop by our booth and say hello. You can take a look at the finest in battery design and assembly solutions provided by PTI. Contact us to learn more about our capabilities and services. http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/march/03/protechnologies-will-be-attending-biomedevice-2016-conference-and-expo/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/march/03/protechnologies-will-be-attending-biomedevice-2016-conference-and-expo/ Thu, 03 March 2016 10:39:44 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/january/19/we-guarantee-our-work-heres-why/ Designing and manufacturing custom battery packs is what we do at ProTechnologies. We stand behind our products, we believe in our work, and we consider ourselves professionals dedicated to our company and our industry. We don’t want you to think we’re being boastful, but we do pour our expertise and passion into every battery pack we manufacture. In fact, we’re so confident in the quality of our products, we offer a lifetime warranty for our workmanship. The lifetime warranty covers our customers against any defects in our assembly processes, from the most simple turnkey battery solutions to the latest smart battery technology, guaranteeing you that we stand by the quality of our workmanship!   We’re consumers, too, so we understand how a warranty can help secure our purchase and debunk any doubts. Whatever industry you represent, whether it is medical equipment, aerospace engineering, security/safety, industrial automation, or any other industry, you can rest assured that the battery pack assemblies we manufacture for you will exceed your expectations.   At ProTechnologies, we’re confident in what we do, and the lifetime warranty for our workmanship is a reflection of this confidence. Business Professor Dr. James Talaga, who teaches marketing at La Salle University, said in an  Inc.com article , "In some cases, firms offer lifetime warranties… Such a warranty would, of course, require that the company have a high level of confidence in their product quality." Yes, we do!   We offer this warranty to provide customers with valuable peace-of-mind and to show you how confident we are in our work and in the quality of our products. But, we’re also confident you’ll never need to use it!   Quality is important to us at ProTechnologies, and w ith our state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and industry-leading supply chain, we guarantee quality integrity in everything we do. The lifetime warranty almost becomes a moot point. Yes, it’s there, just in case you need it. (And you can learn more about the lifetime warranty by visiting our website.) But we believe it will stand there, alone in silence, because we don’t think you’ll need it– and that’s something we’re proud about. http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/january/19/we-guarantee-our-work-heres-why/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2016/january/19/we-guarantee-our-work-heres-why/ Tue, 19 January 2016 16:01:05 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/december/18/get-smart-smart-battery-technology-for-medical-devices-home-security-barcode-scanners-and-more/ Today, smart battery technology is making news in just about every industry. Medical devices, home security, appliances, barcode scanners and other devices all incorporate smart battery technology. One recent report says industries continue to “ leverage [smart battery] technological advances to increase safety and disaster preparedness.” Another report on ECNmag.com says, “ …products are getting smarter than us.” The article is referring to the smart battery technology used in many different types of devices being manufactured now.   The same report also says, “As technology gets ‘smarter’ better batteries are needed. Battery technology is constantly growing to meet the demanding needs of “smart” technology.” We’ve been witnessing this first-hand at PTI. We’ve been manufacturing smart batteries for several years now, but we’ve seen demand for smart batteries growing exponentially in recent months. Smart batteries represent and drive the communication circuits of smart electronic devices, and the majority of PTI clients work with us on smart battery projects. OEMs trust us for our expertise, and the smart batteries we manufacture are often used in highly complex equipment and critical situations where high performance and reliability are mandatory. PTI manufactures smart batteries for medical devices and other devices, such as home security and barcode scanners. Get smart and learn more about smart battery technology and the custom battery pack solutions PTI designs and engineers by visiting our website . http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/december/18/get-smart-smart-battery-technology-for-medical-devices-home-security-barcode-scanners-and-more/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/december/18/get-smart-smart-battery-technology-for-medical-devices-home-security-barcode-scanners-and-more/ Fri, 18 December 2015 10:22:25 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/november/19/the-people-and-the-meaning-behind-everything-we-do-at-protechnologies/ 2015 was a busy year for us here at ProTechnologies (PTI)! We attended several trade shows, including BIOMedevice, and most recently the MD&M Minneapolis Show in early November. Throughout the year, we continued to strengthen our connection to our customers, including those of our customers in the medical technology industry, who consider PTI as their trusted source for their battery-powered needs. PTI designs and manufactures custom battery packs and chargers, and we provide power-related engineering solutions, working with customers from the concept phase through final production. The PTI team takes great pride in everything we do, and we are grateful for our employees’ dedication to our company. Over the past three decades, it’s the people at PTI – those who work behind the scenes designing and creating advanced battery power solutions for critical industries, like the medical technology industry, and the people who work on the frontlines with our customers… and everyone in between – who have driven our company to success. A popular quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson is, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” Emerson prefaced this quote by saying, “Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic, be enthusiastic and faithful, and you will accomplish your objective.” That’s exactly what we do at PTI! As we celebrate the holidays this year, and as 2015 comes to a close, we are especially grateful to the people behind everything we do here at PTI. We are also grateful for our customers. Because of them, we can find meaning in our work. We approach each and every job with enthusiasm, and this is what drives us and what breathes life and meaning into the products and solutions we create at PTI. Thank you, happy holidays from PTI, and we look forward to working with you in 2016! http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/november/19/the-people-and-the-meaning-behind-everything-we-do-at-protechnologies/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/november/19/the-people-and-the-meaning-behind-everything-we-do-at-protechnologies/ Thu, 19 November 2015 12:57:36 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/october/20/stop-by-and-see-us-at-mdm-minneapolis-booth-1731/ On November 4th and 5th, ProTechnologies (PTI) will be exhibiting at the MD&M Minneapolis Show at the Minneapolis Convention Center. As part of Minnesota MedTech Week, this show focuses on discovering new technologies that will affect the evolving health tech industry. PTI has become a trusted partner in powering medical technologies as we continue to expand and improve. As you may already know, the medical devices industry is one of the largest and fastest growing sectors for us.  At MD&M, we will be highlighting our capabilities with developers and designers to demonstrate our expertise in powering this advancing industry. At our booth #1731, we will be demonstrating our expertise in a wide range of battery chemistries, custom design engineering, and numerous options in charging solutions. We meet the precise specifications of power requirements that exceed customer and performance standards. Our professionals will offer solutions for battery pack and charger problems and talk through any battery designs you may have. A charging specialist will also be on hand to discuss any questions regarding charging needs and requirements. Our connection to the medical technology sector is strong and continues to grow with each new development. With a 30-year proven track record of outstanding advances in portable battery power, we are a trusted source for all your battery-powered needs. We hope that you stop by Booth #1731 to explore all that ProTechnologies has to offer. http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/october/20/stop-by-and-see-us-at-mdm-minneapolis-booth-1731/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/october/20/stop-by-and-see-us-at-mdm-minneapolis-booth-1731/ Tue, 20 October 2015 09:48:01 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/october/02/three-new-required-battery-tests/ Until recently, most batteries required testing that was government mandated in order for it to be imported into the country. The two standards for which ProTechnologies and other major battery pack manufacturers tested are UL and IEC standards.  Both are similar, but one is the U.S standard and the other a European standard.   Now there are three new standards to pass.  The three new standards are from Korea, India, and China. The major concern is that many don't know these new standards exist only to discover these requirements once their devices are held at customs overseas. Often the purpose of these devices entering any of these countries is to continue their production however, if they weren't tested through each country's standards, they may prohibited from entering the country. With time and money spent, and no further production being seen in the near future, many manufacturers, engineers and developers are stuck with hundreds of unfinished products in limbo. Below is some information as to what each country states about their standards. China Lithium-ion cells and batteries are contained in most mobile powered devices including cell phones, laptops and digital cameras. All of which now must pass a series of complicated and strict tests (known as GB 31241-2014) to ensure that they are safe, and then they can be sold in the market. Compared with other rechargeable batteries, lithium-ion cells and batteries have advantages of higher voltage, higher energy density, pollution-free, fast charge, low self-discharge rate and so on. Cells and batteries are the key components of all digital devices; they are not only related to the lifespan of the equipment but are also the key elements of its safety. Poor quality of lithium-ion cells and batteries will cause fire, explosion and other accidents, and also lead to people's property loss; serious accidents can endanger the safety of life. According to MarketWatch "Some unqualified manufacturers or factories and their products will be eliminated, the reputation of corporate brand will emerge in the market, the consumers will more and more chase after the high quality and safety. In the future, we have reasons to believe that the brand concentration ratio will be enhanced in the market of Chinese lithium-ion cells and batteries." Also, the testing must be done in a Chinese facility. No out of country testing complying with their standards will be issued. India The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) requires testing of portable cells and batteries under the Indian Standard IS16046.  This standard was issued to curb infiltration and usage of non-compliant electronic goods.   BIS has made it mandatory for 30 product categories to comply with the applicable Indian safety standards and mandatory registration, before they are imported to, traded, distributed, or sold in India. Again all testing must occur on Indian soil. Korea Korea Certification mark signifies compliance with their electronic powered standard AC 50-1000V. KC Certification is only issued through Korea-based certification bodies that have been approved by the Korea Standards Association Regular factory inspections and market surveillance that were once accepted are now required to verify continued compliance to be KC certificate before it can enter the country. All three countries with new required certification regard it as a case of "consumer safety" but no evidence proves their standards are any higher or different than the long-standing Ic and EUI standards once accepted. A main concern with these new certifications is that they can only be conducted within the countries that require them.  Privacy and intellectual property may be at risk. At ProTechnologies we want to spread the awareness of these new outside laws to prevent any U.S manufacturer from sending untested battery powered electronics overseas.  We also hope to spark a conversation. Has anyone been able to comply with all these new standards which cost more, and what is being done to mitigate the threat of duplication?  We would like to hear your experiences. If this information is new to you please share it. http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/october/02/three-new-required-battery-tests/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/october/02/three-new-required-battery-tests/ Fri, 02 October 2015 09:51:16 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/august/18/protechnologies-is-powering-the-medical-field/ One of PTI's chief targeted markets is the medical industry. As of the end of 2014, PTI’s medical accounts make up 52.6% of our total sales. It is our largest and fastest-growing sector. Since we shifted our development focus towards medical devices several years ago, we have had great opportunities within the field.   From portable heart defibrillator batteries to stand-by medical applications, PTI is dedicated to providing the best quality and support for our medical customers. With our ISO13485 and ISO9001 certified quality system, and IPC certified technicians, we are well qualified to adhere to the strict requirements needed for safety and quality within all medical applications. We take pride in serving the medical field, and we are excited to work with innovative customers designing battery packs for new technologies. We understand how heavily a medical device depends upon its power source, and we're committed to providing the best quality battery pack for any medical application. Our customers know that PTI will partner with them, helping them any way we can to make sure their products are successful, and that’s why our medical business has been growing. If you are in need of our services, please visit our website ( protechnologies.com ), or contact us directly at 1(800) 333-1375. http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/august/18/protechnologies-is-powering-the-medical-field/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/august/18/protechnologies-is-powering-the-medical-field/ Tue, 18 August 2015 12:16:10 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/july/21/key-fundamentals-to-analysis-when-designing-your-custom-battery/ ProTechnologies is a leading custom battery manufacturer with capabilities in assembling lithium products, ultrasonic welding, cycling, analyzing and testing battery packs. Our quality is second-to-none due to our commitment to quality, backed by our ISO 9001, ISO 13485 certified quality system, and J-STD-001 Certified Technicians.     We also have the expertise of over 25 years of designing and building battery packs, having developed battery packs for devices within such industries as medical and aerospace. We're trusted in these high-risk fields, where power can't be compromised, because we are leaders in designing quality battery packs. ProTechnologies is so certain we have the highest quality workmanship, we supply a lifetime warranty for our workmanship. During design, we at ProTechnologies will assist you to ensure your battery pack has all the qualities necessary for its specific application.     Designing your custom battery pack comes with many advantages. You can control the product’s life cycle, system usage profile, scope creep reaction, supply chain control, and the physical and electrical attributes to best suit your needs. Designing a custom battery pack has four main fundamentals. All need to be examined to provide the best quality assurance. These fundamentals are the electrical, mechanical, regulatory and cell availability constituents.             Electrical         During an electrical evaluation, it must be determined whether the battery will be the main source of power or the backup power source, and whether     or not it will be rechargeable. Power consumption and the min/max voltage are also important to determine in this stage. Of course, safety and reliability are     always at the forefront of any custom battery pack design. That being said, any current activated, thermal devices, or active circuitry have special attributes     that will change the structure of the battery. Also noted during the electrical evaluation is whether the device is a "smart" device and will require     the battery to have communication capabilities.             Mechanical         During the mechanical evaluation, some options to weigh are the tolerances, dimensions, and any physical constraints. Wire and cable requirements are also analyzed, and some more complex designs will require hand assembly processes (one of our specialties). The batteries' enclosure design is all assessed during the mechanical analysis. Examples are whether it needs to be weather-proofed, have the options for replacing batteries conveniently, or permanently ultrasonically sealed plastics.             Regulatory         Regulatory is the process of ensuring all industry requirements are validated. It includes ensuring all standards and regulations have been verified. For example, all environmental, caution, and safety labels are clearly placed, and all restrictions and warranties indicated.             Cell Availability         The cell availability roadmap is something we consider when assessing the product lifespan. We work with both our customers and suppliers to ensure future availability of components during the design phase, in order to avoid supply chain interruptions. Although these main areas may seem cumbersome, we at ProTechnologies are  determined to work with you every step of the way to make sure we design the best battery pack for your device. We're proud of how we collaborate with our customers, so they feel comfortable having their custom battery pack design in our hands.     If you are interested in discussing your  custom battery pack design , please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our team is committed to ensuring the success of your product design. http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/july/21/key-fundamentals-to-analysis-when-designing-your-custom-battery/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/july/21/key-fundamentals-to-analysis-when-designing-your-custom-battery/ Tue, 21 July 2015 08:48:00 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/june/01/biomedevice-recap-an-overwhelming-success/ If you know us, have worked with us, or have read any of our previous blog posts, you know we’re seriously obsessed with batteries and technology. We simply love what we do. But if there’s something else we can say we’re equally passionate about, it’s our customers; specifically, connecting and reconnecting with them every chance we get. That’s one of the reasons our recent experience at BIOMEDevice, May 6-7 in Boston, was such a success. Not only did we have the opportunity to display our products and services at this world renowned event for the medical device industry, but we were also able to see many of our customers while connecting with new/prospective ones. It was as fulfilling as always! We were also especially excited to be there for the presentation by keynote speaker, Dean Kamen, inventor of the Luke Arm prosthetic arm. From our very well-located booth right near the main stage, we heard this “inventor and outspoken advocate for science and technology education”* speak about robotic prostheses and medical device innovations. This, of course, is another reason why we love attending events of this kind. It’s an invaluable opportunity to learn and stay on top of the very latest news and trends, further expanding our knowledge with the goal of bringing everything we learn about to our company and our clients. It’s safe to say the expo was a great success in every sense. We saw old friends, made new ones—and have already heard from prospective customers we met there—and gained insight into all things exciting in medical devices. We can’t wait to move forward with everything we achieved at BIOMEDevice, and you can count on us keeping you posted! http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/june/01/biomedevice-recap-an-overwhelming-success/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/june/01/biomedevice-recap-an-overwhelming-success/ Mon, 01 June 2015 08:59:25 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/may/12/the-hidden-universal-power-of-our-batteries/ We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: batteries are amazing devices. They power almost everything we rely on and are the silent workhorses of all electronics. At ProTechnologies, we like to think that we are the hidden power behind so many innovations. After all, our product is not one that you can see; it is hidden within our customers’ products, silently powering it and making it work. So when you see an exciting new product or an innovative medical device, there’s a good chance that a PTI custom battery pack is inside. In fact, more products hold PTI batteries than most people could imagine. We are often asked what they are, so here are some of them, by industry: Medical   Portable defibrillators   Medical carts   Drug delivery systems   Surgical instruments   Infusion pumps   Patient monitoring equipment   CPAP machines   Dental equipment   OEM   Asset tracking devices   Inspection equipment   Gas detection equipment   Fire safety equipment   Emergency responders protection equipment   Fire suppression systems   Infrared cameras   Electronic buoys   Food scales   Electronic safes   Test equipment   Security systems     Sanitation   Automatic flush toilets   Sewer flow inspection equipment   Hands-free automatic sinks   Military/Aerospace   Satellite equipment   Radar equipment   Military communications equipment   Flight instrumentation   Flight communication equipment         As you can see, our batteries are powering equipment that makes lives better, easier, and safer. Now that is powerful—and remaining hidden is just fine with us. http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/may/12/the-hidden-universal-power-of-our-batteries/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/may/12/the-hidden-universal-power-of-our-batteries/ Tue, 12 May 2015 08:44:31 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/march/27/save-the-date-pti-is-heading-to-biomedevice-this-may/ One of the greatest partnerships in technology is the one between medical devices and batteries. From tiny implantable devices to the latest smart sensors and electronic record keepers, the innovations that are changing the medical industry rely on the power of batteries. As a battery solution provider, we know this well—and so do the medical industry clients we serve. We’re always on the lookout for new and exciting technologies, and are constantly staying up-to-date with industry trends and news. That’s why we’re especially excited to be attending the upcoming BIOMEDevice event, May 6-7 in Boston. This will be our first time exhibiting at the show, and we’re looking forward to what’s sure to be an invaluable experience. BIOMEDevice includes educational sessions on a range of topics, behind-the-scenes looks at the very latest in technological innovations, and opportunities to share ideas with the brightest minds in the business. Best of all, it provides an opportunity for us to reconnect with existing customers as well as engage with new connections. Our team, including our superstar sales rep, Rob Hickey, will be displaying all of our products and services while answering any questions and showcasing the power we bring to the industry. We're especially excited it's being held in Boston because we do quite a bit of work in the New England region for medical applications, and love seeing our loyal customers. So if you’re planning to attend this exciting event, be sure to stop by booth #455 so ProTechnologies can offer the right solutions for all your battery needs. We can’t wait to see what BIOMEDevice has in store! http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/march/27/save-the-date-pti-is-heading-to-biomedevice-this-may/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/march/27/save-the-date-pti-is-heading-to-biomedevice-this-may/ Fri, 27 March 2015 14:25:00 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/february/27/the-next-and-last-big-idea-from-the-inventor-of-lithium-ion-batteries/ At ProTechnologies, we’re not only passionate about making the highest quality batteries available but we’re equally zealous about following the latest battery news and trends. We get especially excited when we hear about those who are making a difference and are as captivated by the possibilities of battery tech as we are. John Bannister Goodenough is the perfect example. In fact, this man epitomizes the battery industry. At 92 years old, Goodenough is looking to make his invention, the world-changing lithium-ion battery, even better. Back in 1980, this brilliant physicist invented the cobalt-oxide cathode, which gave birth to the lithium-ion battery that we know today. As we’ve talked about in the past, his battery is still powering all of our devices and has yet to be surpassed. You’d think, at the age of 92, the revolutionary work he achieved would be, well, good enough. But this battery pioneer is not one to sit back and relax. He continues to work every day at the University of Texas with a team of research assistants in hopes to create the next super battery. Goodenough's goals for this"super battery" are quite high. He claims, if successful, it will make electric cars more viable and competitive and will effectively store solar and wind power. In short, it will negate the shortcomings of today’s lithium-ion batteries while matching the innovation they represent. Without disclosing too many specifics—and while encouraging the scientific community to work simultaneously on their own super-battery versions—the 92-year-old is confident in his idea; an idea that could be the next breakthrough since the modern lithium-ion battery and would once again change the world. One thing is certain: batteries are arguably the biggest technological game-changer, and those who work with them are some of the greatest pioneers in our modern day history. http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/february/27/the-next-and-last-big-idea-from-the-inventor-of-lithium-ion-batteries/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/february/27/the-next-and-last-big-idea-from-the-inventor-of-lithium-ion-batteries/ Fri, 27 February 2015 11:57:43 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/january/28/the-lithium-ion-battery-has-been-powering-your-devices-for-over-a-decade/ The biggest demand within consumer electronics is the request for a longer lasting battery. Industry leaders have poured millions of research dollars into developing a better battery life to meet our demands. However, nothing seems to beat the same lithium-ion battery that has been used for over two decades. This may seem counter-intuitive, especially when we hear Apple’s marketing chief, Phil Schiller, unveil a new model of the iPhone or MacBook Proclaiming longer lasting power. We may have even experienced our own latest devices last longer between charges. So how can it be possible that it has been the same battery all along? The real reason behind longer lasting power isn't a change in the battery, but a change in the device’s mechanics. Apple and Samsung have figured out that with improved drives and upgraded software they can conserve the device’s energy use. Improved drives allow chips to shrink down in size. The smaller they become, the less energy they consume. In addition, software updates strategically reduce the energy put toward inactive running programs. For instance, if you overlay a window on top of a video playing on YouTube the sound will continue but the video will stop updating. Naturally, the more energy the device can save, the longer it will stay powered. The reason, which batteries themselves haven't seen advancement, is because battery tech is materials science based; that is to say it is chemistry centered. Batteries rely on the periodic table which limits their possibilities. Digital technology, on the other hand, is more innovation oriented and relies on new processes, chip architecture, firmware and software that allow for improvements. The last advancement in battery technology was in 1979 by John Goodenough; he switched from relying on nickel to relying on lithium. The majority of consumer electronics batteries have been lithium-ion based batteries ever since! It’s amazing how much more capacity is offered with the same lithium-ion chemistry and size since 1979, and lithium-ion battery manufacturers are improving the capacity of their batteries every year. Although the lithium-ion battery has stood the test of time, companies are still on the hunt to find the next battery breakthrough. The giant computer hardware company, IBM, has invested heavily in a new battery theory known as the Lithium-Air battery. The Lithium- Air battery would replace using carbon and other metals with a container filled with air that interacts with a piece of lithium to produce electricity. If possible, it could potentially reduce the weight of a battery by 50%. But there is a catch: to keep the energy consistent and enable recharging, pure air is needed. Contrary to pure air, the air we breathe is filled with pollutants and water. "You would need machinery to clean the air," says Winfried Wilcke, a researcher leading IBM's battery efforts, which would add size, weight, and complexity. Others, including researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Texas, are considering materials such as silicon, sulfur, and sodium. However, many R&D efforts are targeting these designs for cars first. It will likely be years before such tech powers consumer electronics. It may be years before a different battery makeup is discovered. Until then, the lithium-ion battery still remains supreme. http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/january/28/the-lithium-ion-battery-has-been-powering-your-devices-for-over-a-decade/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/january/28/the-lithium-ion-battery-has-been-powering-your-devices-for-over-a-decade/ Wed, 28 January 2015 08:40:00 http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/january/01/looking-back-on-a-great-year-and-ahead-to-an-even-better-2015/ Another wonderful year has come and gone, and 2015 is just around the corner. As we look ahead toward the New Year, we’d like to take this opportunity to look back on the success of this year, and thank our customers for their continued loyalty and support. It seems one of the themes of 2014, in general, was innovation and technology—and for us at Protechnologies, this was certainly the case. For almost 30 years, we’ve been at the forefront of battery technology, and this is as true now as ever. We are continuing to develop new, innovative battery pack and charger projects and solutions, with an eye toward the future. As smart technology continues to advance at lightning speed, so too do our smart battery and charger capabilities. More and more, we are able to work with sophisticated, technologically-savvy products, and in 2015, you can expect to see that continue. We are also constantly keeping the latest products and trends on our radar, and will continue to evolve as the technologies do. While we are looking forward to another successful year, filled with growth and excitement, we look forward to working with all of our customers in 2015. But before this year ends, we’d like to wish everyone a very happy holiday season, and a successful, happy, healthy New Year! http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/january/01/looking-back-on-a-great-year-and-ahead-to-an-even-better-2015/ http://protechnologies.com/blog/2015/january/01/looking-back-on-a-great-year-and-ahead-to-an-even-better-2015/ Thu, 01 January 2015 12:34:56