IPG Photonics has unveiled a new dual-beam laser with single-mode core power at the Novi Battery Show in Michigan

IPG Photonics Corporation, a global leader in fiber laser technology, will highlight new and innovative laser solutions at the Battery Show from September 12 to 14, 2023 in Novi, Michigan, USA.

The IPG booth will include industry-leading fiber laser sources and automated laser systems for electric vehicle battery welding applications.

New laser technology pushes the limits of battery welding speed

To continue expanding the industry's broadest range of dual-beam fiber lasers, IPG will introduce a new tunable Mode Beam (AMB) laser source capable of delivering a 3 kW single-mode laser beam at the core. The increase in single-mode power is an industry first, providing unprecedented speed and productivity improvements for battery welding, with splash-free welding speeds up to 2 times faster than low-core power.

The AMB dual-beam laser utilizes a secondary toroidal beam working in conjunction with a single-mode core to stabilize the weld pool, virtually eliminating welding defects such as spatter, cracks, and pores. IPG AMB lasers can be configured with a wide range of beam parameters to provide optimized performance in a variety of welding applications.

Battery manufacturers generally prefer to use single-mode fiber lasers for precision welding applications because of their ability to concentrate power into extremely small spot sizes on the part. The resulting high energy density can easily overcome the high reflectivity of metals such as copper and aluminum, while achieving the desired weld penetration extremely quickly and reducing the heat affected zone (HAZ).

"IPG is more than just a laser company," said Trevor Ness, senior vice president of Global Sales and strategic business Development. "IPG's lasers and laser systems are designed first and foremost to provide solutions that directly address real-world needs such as battery welding, and integrate patented technologies such as real-time laser welding measurement to provide 100% guarantee of welding quality."

Automated laser systems designed for high-volume battery production

IPG will present two live demonstrations of automated turnkey laser welding systems designed specifically for battery welding applications.

EV-Cube™ Automatic Battery Laser Welding System: gantry based laser system designed to meet the strict requirements of speed and precision for battery module welding. Using proprietary laser welding programming, EV-Cube can be configured to provide welding speeds of up to 10 + cylindrical cells per second while maintaining an accuracy of 25 µm.

LaserCell™ Battery Welding System: A robotic laser system that provides the flexibility and coverage required for large or complex battery modules. Equipped with a 6-axis robot, the system can be configured to weld prismatic, cylindrical and bagged modules while maintaining high yields and short cycle times.

These systems are equipped with IPG lasers, machining heads, robot and tool configurations, part handling and loading, integrated software, and IPG programming and process development options. These systems can be equipped with real-time laser welding measurement capabilities that directly measure each weld using patented IPG technology, ensuring that only parts with welds that meet the required specifications enter the final product.

About IPG Photonics

IPG Photonics Corporation is a leader in high-power fiber lasers and amplifiers primarily for materials processing and other diverse applications. The company's mission is to develop innovative laser solutions that make the world a better place.

IPG achieves this mission by providing superior performance, reliability and availability at a lower total cost of ownership than other types of lasers and non-laser tools, enabling end users to increase productivity and reduce costs. IPG is headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and has more than 30 facilities worldwide.

Source: Laser Network