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Organized by the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (Fraunhofer ILT), the AKL – International Laser Technology Congress 2020 will be taking place in the city of Aachen, Germany, from May 6-8. The event addresses the entire laser community: from laser manufacturers to experienced users and laser novices.
The 13th edition of the event this year, will feature a total of 87 speakers who will present examples of innovative solutions from industrial practice and the latest research results, covering all target groups. As an added attraction, 600-plus participants will be invited to experience 'Laser Technology Live' in more than 90 presentations at Fraunhofer ILT, which holds Europe’s largest laser park. The highlight of the event will be the inauguration of the institute’s new Battery Lab, which will showcase the use of lasers in the manufacture of battery cells and modules.
At the 'Laser Technology Live' event at Fraunhofer ILT’s application center on May 7, 2020, AKL’20 attendees will be able to discuss new technological developments in depth with the Aachen-based researchers. The experts have prepared more than 90 live demonstrations covering a wide range of subjects, from the latest developments in additive manufacturing, process control and ultrashort pulse technologies to innovative beam sources and their applications in manufacturing, measurement and quantum technology.
Inauguration of Fraunhofer ILT’s new Battery Lab
'Laser Technology Live' will also be the setting for the inauguration of the institute’s new laboratory. Dedicated to research into laser processes in battery production, the Battery Lab has received some 3 million euros of funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Covering almost 140 m², it is equipped with numerous different systems for the laser-based manufacturing of lithium-ion and solid-state rechargeable batteries.
These include roll-to-roll battery electrode coating systems used to dry and structure electrodes. This process increases the surface area of the electrode, thereby improving various performance characteristics of lithium-ion cells such as their energy storage capacity, charging rate, and available power. A coating system of this type will go into operation at the Battery Lab in Aachen toward the end of 2020. The cutting and drilling of battery components is another area in which laser technology could usefully replace conventional production processes.
Battery cells are connected together to form modules, which are in turn connected together to create battery packs. The required electrical contacts are provided by welded copper and aluminum conductors. The laser is the ideal tool for joining these heat-sensitive materials, because it is able to produce reliable weld seams with a low energy input. The resulting direct metal bonds also have a lower electrical resistance than screw connections. Another advantage of laser joining is that the process can be automated and the weld seam quality can be monitored by means of built-in sensors. An automated battery assembly line including a welding machine and robot will be on show as part of the ILT’s “Laser Technology Live” event.
Next-Generation Batteries
Since 2018, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) has been providing funding for the NextGenBat project which aims to strengthen the infrastructure in Aachen and Jülich for research on future battery generations. The existing research infrastructure in North-Rhine Westphalia is being expanded to create optimum conditions for companies in the region to participate in next-generation battery research and development. Alongside Fraunhofer ILT, other partners in this project include RWTH Aachen University and Forschungszentrum Jülich.
Click here to register for the AKL’20 conference. There is an early-bird discount for everyone who registers by March 4, 2020, at the latest!
