Leveraging demand
Mr Luik, what makes entry into the world of battery cell production so exciting?
Jochen Luik: Starting out in the battery market offers enormous potential, especially given the increasing demand for energy storage solutions for electric cars. Battery cell production opens up considerable opportunities for companies that invest in this area at an early stage.
Overview of requirements
What initial measures are needed to capitalise on these opportunities?
Jochen Luik: Firstly, companies should get a comprehensive overview of the requirements in battery cell production. This includes selecting the right automation solutions, ensuring product quality, optimising processes, training employees and taking environmental aspects into account.
Selecting automation solutions
Can you go into more detail about selecting automation solutions?
Jochen Luik: Choosing the right automation solutions is the first step towards successful battery cell production. Modern production facilities, which have been specially developed for the requirements of battery cell production, guarantee consistently high product quality. It is important that the components are free of copper, nickel and zinc in order to prevent irreversible contamination of the battery cells.
Contamination by copper, nickel and zinc
Why is copper, nickel and zinc contamination so problematic?
Jochen Luik: These metals can trigger electrochemical reactions in the battery cells that significantly impair their performance and service life. Contamination can lead to micro-short-circuits and other malfunctions, which jeopardises the safety and reliability of the batteries.
Process optimisation
How important is process optimisation in battery cell production?
Jochen Luik: To remain competitive, you have to have an optimised production process. This includes the careful planning and monitoring of all production steps, from raw material preparation to cell assembly and end-of-line testing. Continuous process improvements reduce production costs while the quality of the battery cells remains high.
Quality inspection
What exactly does quality control in battery cell production involve?
Jochen Luik: Quality control is essential to ensure the products are safe and reliable. Automated testing systems ensure that the tests are accurate and consistent. Thorough quality control not only contributes to product safety, but also reduces rejects and rework, thus making the process more economical.
Employee training
What role do employees play in this process?
Jochen Luik: Well-trained employees are the backbone of a successful production plant. Companies should invest in the continuous training and development of their staff. Digital and face-to-face training covers technical skills as well as safety and environmental awareness. A qualified team requires less time to familiarise themselves with the process, can identify production problems at an early stage and take proactive measures for improvement.
Considering environmental aspects
That sounds like a comprehensive approach. How important is it to take environmental aspects into account?
Jochen Luik: When producing battery cells, various environmental aspects need to be taken into account, from extracting raw materials and energy consumption to the disposal of waste. Companies should focus on environmentally friendly materials and processes and establish recycling programs to minimise their ecological footprint.
Complying with regulations
How important is it to comply with regulations in battery cell production ?
Jochen Luik: Compliance with legal regulations and standards is an essential part of battery cell production. This includes safety and environmental standards as well as specific requirements for lithium-ion cells. By complying with these regulations, companies minimise legal risks and gain the trust of customers and partners.
Supply chain
Surely the trust that customers and partners have in companies is also dependent on a stable supply chain, isn't it?
Jochen Luik: Absolutely. A robust and reliable supply chain is crucial for a smoothly operating production plant. Companies should work with experienced global suppliers and implement supply chain management systems to increase the transparency and efficiency of the entire value chain.
Conclusion
Thank you, Jochen Luik, for the interesting discussion and the comprehensive information on the main aspects of battery cell production. His expertise and many years of experience have given us important insights into how companies can be successful in this high-growth area by ensuring the planning and implementation stages are done properly. His explanations make it clear how automation, process optimisation, quality control and employee training work together to guarantee the highest product quality and help the company successfully establish itself in the market of the future.
About the author
Jochen Luik
Electronics Global Industry Segment Manager
Festo SE & Co. KG