Trumpf, a leading company in laser technology, has made significant advancements in the recycling of electric vehicle (EV) batteries for the automotive industry. The company showcased its innovative laser systems at The Battery Show Europe 2024, demonstrating how these systems can safely cut used batteries and extract valuable raw materials from the battery foil.
Hagen Zimer, the CEO of laser technology at Trumpf, highlighted the importance of battery recycling from both ecological and economic perspectives. He mentioned that Trumpf’s expertise in laser welding and cutting, developed over years of collaboration with car and battery manufacturers, has made battery recycling not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective.
The need for EV battery recycling is crucial due to the reliance on expensive and sometimes unsustainable raw materials like cobalt, lithium, and nickel. The European Union has mandated a high recycling rate of up to 90% for batteries, reflecting the urgency of the situation.
Alexander Sauer, the head of the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, stressed the importance of large-scale recycling efforts. He stated that Europe will need to recycle a substantial amount of battery material annually by 2030, underlining the significant market potential for laser processes in battery recycling.
Trumpf’s laser processes are designed to remove valuable coatings from foil strips used in battery cells, allowing manufacturers to recover and reuse these materials efficiently. This approach aims to minimize the amount of coated foil that ends up as waste, contributing to a more sustainable battery recycling process.
Moreover, Trumpf’s laser technology enables the automated dismantling of battery packs, including the removal of covers and cutting of cables. This streamlined process facilitates the sorting of raw materials and the separation of reusable battery cells, further enhancing the efficiency of battery recycling operations.
In conclusion, Trumpf’s advancements in laser technology for industrial-scale EV battery recycling mark a significant step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly automotive industry. By leveraging laser processes for efficient material extraction and battery dismantling, the company is contributing to the transition towards a circular economy and reducing the environmental impact of battery production and disposal.