Battery welding connects critical components, such as tabs, busbars, and interconnects, which are essential for electrical flow and structural stability. QA ensures: Strong, Consistent Bonds: Testing weld strength and conductivity guarantees that the connections can handle high currents without breaking down.
Several components of lithium-ion batteries - electrode metal foils (current collectors), tabs and output terminals - are welded together using technologies such as laser or ultrasonic welding. If these welds are inadequate, the electrical resistance between components will increase.
What is weld quality testing?
In weld quality testing, resistance values between components are measured to ensure weld quality. Weld quality testing is carried out in every process that involves welding, including welding of electrode sheet tabs as well as welding between collectors and output terminals.
Fusion welding, specifically using electron beams or lasers, is the best method for welding battery components. Both electron beam and laser welding offer high power densities, pinpoint accuracy, and are well-suited for automated welding processes and small, miniature weld applications.
Battery applications often involve welding dissimilar metals, such as copper to nickel, which can be problematic in welding. Commonly used materials in battery construction include copper, aluminum, and nickel.
The program is based on industry-developed and internationally recognized standards such as AWS (American Welding Society) D17.1, ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) IX and ISO 9606.
Depending on the project parameters, both laser welding and electron beam welding can be cost effective for battery arrays. However, battery array configurations are becoming more compact, and designs are continually evolving.