“I am delighted that tried-and-tested laser processes such as soldering, cutting and welding dominated among the solutions for battery technology at the LSE this year,” explained Dr. Alexander Olowinsky, Head of Joining and Cutting at Fraunhofer ILT. “I am convinced that this advanced laser technology will not only stand up to the competition in terms of precision, but also in terms of cost-effectiveness and sustainability.”
Laser cutting improves quality
Bavarian company Sonplas GmbH is proving that precise laser technology is not a luxury, but can provide long-term competitive advantages. The specialist for combustion engines has been manufacturing systems for the production of battery cells since 2020. By using advanced laser processes, the Bavarians can improve the quality of battery cells and reduce the reject rates that conventional production methods suffer from. Precise laser cutting overcomes effects such as delamination and burr formation, which commonly occur in mechanical cutting processes.
Product Manager Luca Schmerbeck explains: “The use of laser technology in battery cell production offers our customers decisive advantages. It not only reduces tool downtime and costs, but also significantly increases battery performance.” According to Schmerbeck, the company's research results confirm that laser-cut electrodes increase battery power.
High-tech in battery production: assembling and laser soldering with precision
Wolf Produktionssysteme GmbH & Co. KG showed how they achieve precision and cost efficiency with advanced technology. The specialist for special machines has developed systems for welding battery contacts made of aluminum and copper. The challenge was great, as material thicknesses of just 0.2 to 0.4 millimeters had to be joined without damaging the cells. Head of Development Nico Reinheimer says: “We apply a tumbling process that enables us to precisely control the welding depth and prevents blow-through.” Wolf also uses “floating grip” technology: This clamping technology positions aluminum and copper in such a way that a uniformly welded joint is generated.
Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
