• Data matrix code being laser marked on battery casing

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.

 

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  • Laser Marking Benefits

    • Permanent
    • Easy to read identifiers
    • Precise and consistent results
    • No consumables
    • Low maintenance technology
    • Green process
  • Laserax Benefits

    • Quick and automated changeovers
    • Fastest laser markers on the market
    • Complete solutions (Class 1 certified laser safety, fume extraction, vision, automation, etc.)
    • High-quality hardware and software components (including ultra-precise scanners)

MARKING TESTS ON NI-PLATED STEEL, AL AND SS

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.

A 22x22 data matrix code laser marked on a battery cell can.

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

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:

  • High precision industrial laser
  • Least reflective metal possible
  • Flat surface material presentation to the laser

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.

(Top) A 2x2 mm data matrix code laser marked on aluminum foil. (Bottom) A 2x2 mm data matrix code laser marked on copper foil.

 

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

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