Battery production requires fast, efficient, and repeatable processes. Linear guides play a crucial role here, as they must dynamically move and position different loads with precision. The following tips from Bosch Rexroth show how engineers can optimally meet the industry’s diverse requirements along the value stream.
1. Select resistant materials for dry rooms and electrolyte contact
For electrolyte and cell production, the materials used must be suitable for dry rooms and withstand the electrolytes’ corrosive effect. To prevent plastics from becoming porous and aging prematurely due to the highly dehumidified air, Bosch Rexroth uses materials such as polyacetal (POM) or thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), including suitable adhesives, lubricants, and sealants, for nearly all components. Guideways made with corrosion-resistant materials (NR 2) and hard chromium plating are also part of the portfolio.
2. Use high-performance components for higher productivity
Linear guides must perform extremely well, for example, in the precise guidance of distance control in roll-to-roll processes such as calendering (rolling) or slitting (cutting). The high-performance ball rail systems BSHP from Bosch Rexroth carry out such tasks with exact rail surfaces and vibration-optimized runner blocks. For short cycle times, belt-driven Rexroth ball rail systems achieve acceleration values of up to 50 m/sec² and speeds of up to 5 m/sec. Versions with cam rollers and high-speed runner blocks achieve 10 m/sec.
When laser cutting electrode foils for any type of battery cell, the IMS position measuring system integrated into the linear guide, combined with linear motors, helps ensure maximum efficiency with minimum tolerances. The non-contact and wear-free measuring principle with a decoder integrated into the runner block is insensitive to contamination and achieves comparable repeatability to glass scales of up to ±0.25 µm. The shock and dynamic characteristics correspond to the respective underlying linear guide.
3. Cover a wide range of requirements with a single source
Bosch Rexroth has a finely graduated portfolio of linear axes with ball screw assemblies or toothed belt drives, various types of seals, and accessories. Laser welding or contacting machines, for example, can be realized compactly and economically with the complementary linear motor modules.
4. Go for flexibility in usage and integration
Module and pack assembly benefits from high-performance linear guides, which can be combined to form ready-to-use linear axes and Cartesian robots. Compared to industrial robots, linear robots often boast higher precision, dynamics, and compactness due to their mechanical properties. Their range of applications covers handling, screwing, and dosing processes as well as camera transport in end-of-line testing.
Engineers can use Bosch Rexroth’s e-tools to select, size, and configure components. With the Smart Function Kits, pre-installed user software can reduce commissioning and program time. The company also creates customer-specific solutions, such as gantry robots for loading, filling, sealing or gluing, screwing or welding.
5. Find sustainable solutions
Linear components and solutions for battery production must also offer a high degree of reliability and sustainability. Look for long-life linear guides that implement the required movements with minimal energy loss and lubricant consumption. Maintenance-free applications, flexible interchangeability, and the exact calculation of relubrication intervals up to the total service life contribute to lower resource consumption.
Bosch Rexroth
boschrexroth.com
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