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"Even in that simplified, proof-of-concept drone, the printed battery achieves a 50 percent boost in energy density, and uses 35 percent more available volume."

Interesting idea, though no word on cost. I doubt they could compete with the economies of scale lithium-ion batteries benefit from. Then again, it isn't always about being the cheapest. The world is full of hundreds of thousands of different models of machines that might benefit from this. Some people will happily pay extra to get a 50% boost in capacity.

Material’s Printed Batteries Put Power in Every Nook and Cranny

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[-] bigpEE@lemmy.world 1 points 17 hours ago

But they're limited by weight, not volume. I could just sling a bigger battery underneath

[-] Nikelui@lemmy.world 5 points 1 day ago

Does the extra capacity make up for the incresed consumption due to extra weight?

[-] danekrae@lemmy.world 6 points 23 hours ago

You could get the same battery capacity in a smaller and/or more aerodynamic drone body, which would make it more efficient.

[-] givesomefucks@lemmy.world 0 points 23 hours ago

...

Yes, if battery density wasn't enough to overpower the weight of the batteries, it would t fly to begin with.

Like, you didn't even have to click the article or even be able to understand that, it's me tioned in OPs summary

[-] the_riviera_kid@lemmy.world 1 points 23 hours ago

More weight and worse heat dissipation.

Great idea!/S

[-] JeeBaiChow@lemmy.world 1 points 23 hours ago* (last edited 23 hours ago)

More battery > more weight > more motor > more consumption > same battery lifespan

[-] gressen@lemmy.zip 9 points 23 hours ago

The life span is not going to stay the same. Adding more capacity yield more time in air, it's just that the effect is not linear.

[-] Ozymandias1688@feddit.org 3 points 19 hours ago

that is essentially the rocket equation: More fuel - > more weight - > more fuel needed, etc. It is a balancing act.

[-] TunaLobster@lemmy.world 3 points 22 hours ago* (last edited 22 hours ago)

Not exactly. They are increasing energy density. So for the same mass they are providing more mAh. More charge. Equal weight. Equal motor. Equal consumption. Longer flight time.

This doesn't really impact sUAS because they are already using pocket cells. Larger things that use jellyrolls, but need a better packing factor or would benefit from not carrying around all of those capsules and button tops are the target here

[-] Nomad@infosec.pub 1 points 1 day ago

Let's assume they are talking about supercaps.

this post was submitted on 06 Feb 2026
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