It's electrifying! Demand for EVs keeps on rising

The production of lithium-ion batteries is presenting automation technology with special challenges, from the production of electrodes, to the production of cells and through to the assembly of the battery module.

Johannes Strasser, Global Key Account Management and Industry Segment Management Electronics at Festo: "This year, car manufacturers are heralding high investments and even the declarations of intent of manufacturers regarding battery production have increased tenfold. Alongside the major car brands, new electrical car manufacturers are being set up and new companies are joining the industry of battery cell production every day. The focal point of production is currently Asia and primarily China. The Chinese government is actively supporting the future battery industry, with subventions also."

In the last two years, Festo's revenues in the growth market of electromobility doubled year on year. The automation provider advises and supplies major global customers such as the Korean major corporation and battery manufacturer LG Chem. The key components in Festo's success here are its broad product range including copper-free products, its services and engineering tools as well as a worldwide team with specialist know-how and solution competence that provides customers with expert advice in project planning and conceptualisation.

Kim Sung Chul, Manager LG Production Engineering Research Institute / Battery Assembly Equipment Technology Task, Korea: “LG Chem, Korea’s leading manufacturer of advanced batteries, is constructing an electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in Wrocław, Poland. This is the first large-scale lithium-ion battery plant for automotive application in Europe. Festo is the handling supplier for the plant in Poland. LG greatly appreciates the competent consultation, the product range and quality, the engineering concepts and the global network of automation experts provided by Festo.”

Johannes Strasser, Global Key Account Management and Industry Segment Management Electronics at Festo: "With expert teams in the main markets of Korea, China, USA and in Europe, we are a truly global partner that offers direct contact and customer support on site. For example, we at Festo have worked with LG Chem for over two years. We are delighted to have been chosen over strong international competitors and to have been allowed contribute our solution competence and know-how in the automation of battery modules. For LG Chem's new factory in Poland, we supplied all the electrical axes and valves. All products were designed to be copper-free."

'Copper-free' requirement
Festo offers everything from a single source: standard handling, special solutions and copper-free products that do not damage or contaminate the sensitive lithium-ion cells during handling. Roughly 95% of Festo's standard product portfolio is already free of copper, e.g. if the guides are made of polymer. Since 2017, Festo has also offered special copper-free products that are oriented towards current market criteria: the guide bearings, bearings and all parts that generate friction are free of copper. Festo's standard products often meet ISO6 clean-room conditions and more. The products are tested in the company's own cleanroom 'Competence Centre for Cleanroom Technology' in Singapore in cooperation with a local university.

Thanks to the engineering tools from Festo, solutions and systems can be virtually measured and designed, thus saving time and costs in project planning and design. This phase is one of the greatest cost pools, representing around 25-30% of the overall service life costs in machine and plant construction. Energy-efficient products and service help to reduce power consumption in production.