Laser welding is crucial in several stages of lithium-ion battery production, such as:Welding cell electrodes and poles for reliable electrical connectionsWelding battery shells and covers for structural integrityWelding explosion-proof valves for safetyWelding sealing nails for precise electrolyte injectionWelding series connectors and terminals for efficient current flow.
Why do weld power batteries with laser welding technology?
Since power batteries need to have multiple welding parts and it is difficult to carry out high-precision requirements met by traditional welding methods, laser welding technology can weld welds with high quality and automation due to the characteristics of small welding consumables loss, small deformation, strong stability and easy operation.
How laser welding equipment is used in lithium battery manufacturing?
Thanks to its efficiency and precision, laser welding equipment has become an essential tool for lithium battery manufacturers. During the assembly and welding of lithium battery pack, a significant amount of nickel-plated copper or nickel-plated aluminum is used to connect battery cells. The primary method of connection is nickel-aluminum welding.
Can laser welding be used for battery pack assembly?
While laser welding is well suited to the increasing manufacturing demand and the joining needs of the battery pack assembly, challenges to its application in this industry remain. Typically, a standard battery pack consists of hundreds, even thousands, of individual cells which are connected to deliver the required power and capacity.
Laser welding is commonly used to join components such as electrode foils, battery casings, and battery connecting tabs. It provides non-contact, high precision and high speed welding for a wide range of different materials and complex geometries.
This ensures that every single weld in the battery is good, and that defective ones are reworked right away. Optical sensors installed in the laser use reflected and emitted radiation from the weld to determine if the weld is good. They can detect different types of weld defects such as gap or contamination.
Can laser welding be used for EV battery production?
Whilst Asia remains the stronghold (projected to reach 800GWh by 2025), Europe is expanding rapidly with a projected production capacity of 450GWh/year by 2030. Laser welding has emerged as the optimal welding technique to respond to the increasing demand for EV battery manufacturing; being 4-5 times faster than the current welding processes.