Lamination plays a crucial role in cell contacting systems (CCS) by binding different layers of battery materials into one solid unit, acting as a protective shield that insulates the electrodes and prevents internal damage. Currently, hot and cold lamination are standard industry methods used to meet the diverse needs of the EV and battery manufacturing sectors. The key comparison between these two lamination methods centers on the fact that while hot lamination is more costly, involves more production steps, and requires longer cycle times than cold lamination, it provides better robustness and performance.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of traditional hot lamination?
Traditional hot lamination applies both heat and pressure to cure and set the adhesive layers. This method provides better adhesive strength, robustness, and performance. However, the drawbacks of hot lamination include higher costs, longer cycle times, more energy use, and more production steps. Furthermore, hot lamination can degrade the material properties of the battery components and carries the environmental impact of adhesives.
How Does Cold Lamination Improve Manufacturing Efficiency?
Cold lamination improves manufacturing efficiency because it relies on pressure only. By removing the heat requirement, this process is cheaper, faster, and uses less energy than hot lamination. Despite its efficiency, cold lamination has limitations. Compared to hot lamination, it is inferior in adhesive strength and has limitations insulting the edges of the current collectors.
Can Adhesive-Free Lamination Eliminate the Trade-offs of Traditional Methods?
To overcome the limitations of both processes, ENNOVI introduced its proprietary, patent-pending Adhesive-Free Lamination Technology. This alternative positions the current collector between two foils and joins the top foil to the bottom foil, sealing a tight pocket without the use of adhesives. The stated benefits of this technology include hot-lamination-like robustness, 50% lower insulation material costs, an 80% shorter processing time, 25% space savings, and less than 5% energy use compared to conventional hot lamination.
Choosing the optimal lamination path
ENNOVI’s lamination technology considers robustness, flexibility, and cost-efficiency, and our extensive research on adhesives, foils, and processes enables the tailoring of the best choices for each project.
The cost of cold lamination is low, but the robustness and performance of hot lamination are better. ENNOVI innovated its Adhesive-Free Lamination Technology to eliminate trade-offs, while delivering both low cost and robustness.
Contact our engineering team today to discuss your battery requirements and conduct a technical audit of your current lamination process.