Comau and Intecells Collaborate to Revolutionize Battery Electrode Manufacturing

• Comau and Intecells are collaborating to increase battery electrode production efficiency by using cold plasma technology to streamline the manufacturing process
• Intecells’ cutting-edge approach will eliminate the need for solvents and binders
• In addition to handling a full range of battery types and sizes, the jointly-developed solution is expected to improve the performance and safety of both the manufacturing process and the cells themselves

Grugliasco (Turin)  – Comau has entered an important collaboration with Intecells to optimize the use of cold plasma within industrial cell manufacturing processes. Comau will work with Intecells, who has patented an innovative cold plasma application, to develop a cost-effective technology path for customers looking to integrate the new technology within existing cell manufacturing lines.

The plasma-based solution available today reduces cycle time and energy consumption in soaking and drying when added to existing cell manufacturing lines, while also improving cell capacity, cyclability, and production quality across a full range of battery types and sizes.

As a further step, a plasma-based solution under development is reducing significantly process steps along the cell manufacturing process. The final target is to reduce investments by 50% and halve energy consumption and carbon emissions.

As a leading provider of best-practice technologies within the electrification field, Comau is actively contributing to the advancement of electrification through a comprehensive approach that spans the entire battery lifecycle from cell formation to module and pack assembly, and from testing all the way to dismantling and recycling.

“Our collaboration with Intecells marks a pivotal step in redefining how battery cells are manufactured,” explained Gian Carlo Tronzano, Head of Battery Cell Global Competence Center and of P&E e-Mobility. “By combining Intecells’ disruptive technology with Comau’s electrification technology and expertise, we are working to deliver a practical path for integrating next-generation plasma processes into existing production lines, starting with the validation of cold plasma technology within scalable manufacturing operations.”

“Our partnership with Comau gives Intecells the means needed to accelerate development, will revolutionize the way battery cells are manufactured and will support our customers globally,” said Xiaohong Gayden, founder and CEO of Intecells, based in Michigan. Mrs. Gayden is a battery technology veteran with a PhD in materials science. She played a pivotal role in General Motors push for automotive battery development and manufacturing from 2007 to 2014 in Detroit and Shanghai.