EXOM JOINS THE INDUSTRIAL VALIDATION OF A NEW ROBOTIC BATTERY WELDING CELL

In the first quarter of 2025, the robotic cell "MSA-Five-Battery Welding" successfully completed its industrial validation. Designed for welding cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch-type batteries, the system has benefited from the active involvement of EXOM Engineering, a company specialized in product and process engineering. EXOM contributed to the functional design and the integration of high-precision automation solutions throughout the project.

From the outset, the cell was conceived as a flexible and traceable tool tailored for advanced manufacturing of energy storage systems. EXOM's technical expertise played a key role in defining critical aspects of system integration to ensure operational accuracy and process reliability.

The cell features a 2 kW single-mode laser, optimized for welding conductive materials such as copper, aluminum, and nickel. Alongside a tightly controlled penetration system, this ensures minimal thermal impact on battery cells—a key requirement for internal component safety. EXOM collaborated in defining these process parameters to enhance welding efficiency and repeatability.

A distinguishing aspect is the integration of machine vision to detect part geometry and position, enabling precise alignment prior to welding. EXOM’s experience in intelligent automation was instrumental in this area, helping improve repeatability and reduce errors. A high-precision (200 µm) distance sensor dynamically adjusts the laser's focal point in real time, even on uneven surfaces.

The cell also uses an ABB IRB-1300 six-axis robot in combination with a modular clamping system to handle a variety of battery types. This configuration significantly reduces model changeover times and supports seamless integration into automated lines. EXOM contributed to the mechanical design of this system, focusing on operational flexibility and efficiency.

Another innovative component is the SdLBS – Software Defined Laser Beam Shape technology, which allows for quick adjustments to welding patterns via software without mechanical intervention. This aligns with EXOM’s philosophy of promoting flexible, software-defined manufacturing solutions.

With its advanced features and integrated technologies, the "MSA-Five-Battery Welding" cell stands out as a highly capable solution for automated production lines requiring precision, repeatability, and traceability. Its successful validation confirms its applicability in sectors such as electric mobility, stationary storage, and other advanced energy applications.