The laser welding equipment utilized for the assembly of prismatic cells is separate technology that combines parts such as those of the cell, busbar, tabs, and connectors in a precise and reliable way. This method is mainly utilized for lithium cells but is particularly applicable for prismatic lithium cells because of the strong, reliable, and low resistance welds produced when this technique is employed.
In terms of speed and distortion, the laser welding technique is usually faster when compared to the other methods available and causes very minimal thermal distortion contributing to more uniform welding thus boosting the manufacturing efficiency of prismatic cells.
What is the advantage of using laser welding equipment in the prismatic lithium cell applications?
The usage of prismatic cells has been on the rise, especially in the construction of piers, energy storage systems, electric vehicle batteries amongst other uses of prismatic cells. The quality of the welding conducted has a significant impact on battery safety and durability of the cell welds.
The laser welding equipment used in the manufacture of prismatic cells utilizes laser beams of very small diameter thus minimizing the chances of distortion and thermal overload. In case a higher input of energy is needed, manufacturers generally resort to the use of laser welding objective to ensure stable processes.
How does the laser welding machine work?
The process of laser welding is based on using high-energy laser beams to melt areas that will be connected through welding. During welding, the laser strength, speed of the welding process, and position of the welding process can be adjusted by the equipment. That means that laser welding will provide high quality and meet all predefined requirements. Modern equipment for laser welding uses vision system and robot arm and automatic positioning, thus ensuring accuracy of the process and less errors made by the operator.
What are the advantages of laser welding used for prismatic cells?
High accuracy of welding
The diameter of the laser beam is very small, thus allowing accurate welding in a certain area of battery terminal, tab, or bus bar, which is very important due to compactness of batteries.
Minimal thermal effect
Compared to traditional method of welding, laser welding creates less thermal effect during the welding process due to which it is possible to prevent damage to the delicate parts of the batteries.
Good contact points
With the help of the laser welding machine there will be high quality metal connection with little electrical resistance.
High efficiency of production
Automatic laser welding machine may be connected to the production line, robotic welding systems or battery assembly system and will be enough for mass production.
What materials can be used for the welding process in the welding machine for prismatic cells?
The welding machine for prismatic cells is used for welding aluminum, copper, nickel plated steel, etc.
For example, copper terminals and aluminum bus bars must be welded with the help of a laser welding machine, as these materials are very conductive.
What industries use the laser welding of prismatic cells technology?
Laser welding of prismatic cells technology has various applications.
Laser welding of prismatic cells is commonly used in:
• Electric vehicles batteries manufacture
• ESS batteries production
• Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries production
• Manufacture of industrial power batteries
• Production of solar-powered batteries
Thus, for manufacturers who use large volumes of lithium batteries the automatic laser welding system of prismatic cells is more effective.
What is the difference between automatic and manual lithium welding machine?
Manual lithium cell laser welding machine can be used only for laboratory purposes and small production volumes.
At the same time, automatic lithium welding machine can be used for mass production as it can include automatic feed systems and robotic welding cells, vision inspection system.
