Battery Laser Marking
There are hundreds of battery cells, modules, and other parts in the battery pack that need to be identified for traceability. Laser marking is an outstanding method to create permanent identifiers at a high speed. Unlike other traditional marking methods, laser marked identifiers can withstand various stresses, such as heat and chemicals (electrolytes, cooling liquids, adhesives, silicones).
Laser marking can create markings on cells, electrodes, cases, battery modules and packs for individual serial data encoded in machine-readable data matrix codes.
MARKING TESTS ON NI-PLATED STEEL, AL AND SS
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Using LXQ and LXQ-HP fiber lasers, Laserax can mark on battery cell cans (nickel-plated steel, aluminum or stainless steel). The picture that follows shows the result of a super fast laser mark. The marking times that follow include the PLC’s communication delays, hence representing the real part-to-part takt time for the marking operation. |
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TYPICAL MARKING TIMES
| Marking | 50W | 100W | 200W | 300W |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16x16 DMC (3x3 mm) | 250 ms (240 parts/min) | 160 ms (375 parts/min) | 110 ms (545 parts/min) | 100 ms (600 parts/min) |
| 22x22 DMC (4x4 mm) | 400 ms (150 parts/min) | 240 ms (250 parts/min) | 170 ms (352 parts/min) | 140 ms (428 parts/min) |
JELLY ROLL ELECTRODE LASER MARKING AL & CU
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Cylindrical cell batteries store electrical energy in thin electrode foil sheets called jelly rolls. These sheets made of aluminium (cathode) and copper (anode) are rolled inside the battery casing. Marking the jelly roll substrate helps validate the battery cell assembly in the manufacturing process. Marking such fragile materials with laser requires specific conditions. Conditions to achieve laser marking on jelly roll electrodes:
Marking the jelly roll on the fly is challenging because the marking needs to be visible without affecting the material’s properties. All of this needs to be done within a short cycle time. The micron-level precision of an industrial laser is essential to avoid any damage while marking thin metal surfaces. Laserax can mark data matrix codes (DMC) on aluminum and copper foil at high speed without damaging the electrodes. The results below show marking times at different conveyor speeds. |
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| Foil | DMC Size (mm) | Cell/DMC | Marking Time (s) | Possible Conveyor Speed Due to Marking Time (m/min) | Minimal Estimated Distance Available Between 2 DMCs (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AL | 2.5x2.5 | 12x12 | 0.033 | 300 | 915 |
| 2.5x2.5 | 10x10 | 0.025 | 400 | 1333 | |
| Cu | 2.5x2.5 | 12x12 | 0.033 | 300 | 915 |
| 2.5x2.5 | 10x10 | 0.025 | 400 | 1333 |