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TRUMPF laser technology is powering new, industrial-scale processes for the recovery of valuable battery materials, enabling vehicle manufacturers, battery manufacturers, renewable energy sectors, and recycling and waste management companies to achieve their objectives.
The innovative laser systems developed by TRUMPF safely disassemble used batteries and extract precious raw materials from battery foils. Hagen Zimer, CEO of Laser Technology at TRUMPF, explains:
“Recycling batteries makes ecological sense and can now be implemented economically thanks to laser technology. TRUMPF can draw on extensive laser welding and cutting expertise to produce electric car batteries. We have been working with all leading car and battery manufacturers for years. We have incorporated this experience into the development of the new processes.”
Without valuable raw materials such as cobalt, lithium or nickel, there are currently no electric car batteries. However, the extraction of these raw materials is expensive and not always sustainable. Manufacturers also must accept long and uncertain supply chains. In addition, the EU requires a recycling rate of up to 90 percent for batteries. Alexander Sauer, head of the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA says:
“The industry therefore has to recycle on a large scale. The market for laser processes for recycling batteries, which is currently emerging, is huge. In Europe alone, the industry will have to recycle 570,000 tons of battery material annually from 2030.”
New battery cell electrodes are manufactured as foil strips coated with valuable materials like cobalt and nickel. Future recycling facilities may employ laser processes to remove the thin coating layer from the foil. Manufacturers can then collect this precious dust and reuse it for new coatings. Previously, it was common for kilometres of coated foils to be discarded as waste.
In the future, laser technology could also be used to recycle battery packs. Laser technology is the only way to ensure efficient and automated dismantling, such as removing the covers from batteries or cutting off cables. The raw materials can then be sorted and the battery cells that are still usable can be separated and reused directly. Until now, dismantling electric car batteries has been a manual process. It is laborious, slow and sometimes dangerous for workers.
Learn how TRUMPF’s innovative solutions can help you meet your sustainability goals and comply with regulatory requirements. Our TRUMPF experts are here to assist you in implementing efficient and safe recycling systems.
