Meeting the challenges in e-mobility with laser welding and sophisticated system technology

Abstract

It is becoming increasingly clear that there is more than just a gradual change in the automotive industry, especially when it comes to future drive systems. There are different designs and degrees of electrification -from hybrid to pure battery vehicles -with different electrical outputs, ranges and driving shares. New components significantly change the share of value added in the vehicle. The focus of value creation is shifting further from mechanics to electrics/electronics. Whether e-mobility or hydrogen propulsion, the laser and photonics industry has seized the opportunity to change manufacturing processes and convince decision-makers of the undisputed benefits of photonic tools in the relevant production chains. And since most applications, e.g., in battery manufacturing and their use for emobility, started from scratch, the most profitable manufacturing tools could and can be used directly. It turns out that it makes sense not to transform an existing process from the "pre-laser age" into the modern age. The laser has undoubted advantages over other tools in these production chains. When you talk about processing speed, low energy input, automation, which is very easy to implement with lasers, energy efficiency and freedom from contact, then there is no getting around the laser as a tool. This paper gives an overview of some applications in battery production and e-mobility from the perspective of a supplier of sensors and processing tools. The focus is on laser welding, as process monitoring and control play an important role here and describes the intersection between industrial requirements and photonics when it comes to efficient production tools for tomorrow's mobility. It is about sensor technology, it is about beam shaping, it is about material processing, and it is about AI.