Fusion welding, specifically using electron beams or lasers, is the best method for welding battery components. Both electron beam and laser welding offer high power densities, pinpoint accuracy, and are well-suited for automated welding processes and small, miniature weld applications.
Battery applications often involve welding dissimilar metals, such as copper to nickel, which can be problematic in welding. Commonly used materials in battery construction include copper, aluminum, and nickel.
A review on dissimilar laser welding of steel-copper, steel-aluminum, aluminum-copper, and steel-nickel for electric vehicle battery manufacturing. Opt. Laser Technol. 2022, 146, 107595. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] Ascari, A.; Fortunato, A. Laser dissimilar welding of highly reflective materials for E-Mobility applications. Join. Process.
Depending on the project parameters, both laser welding and electron beam welding can be cost effective for battery arrays. However, battery array configurations are becoming more compact, and designs are continually evolving.
Different welding processes are used depending on the design and requirements of each battery pack or module. Joints are also made to join the internal anode and cathode foils of battery cells, with ultrasonic welding (UW) being the preferred method for pouch cells.
Brass (CuZn37) test samples are used for the quantitative comparison of the welding techniques, as this metal can be processed by all three welding techniques. At the end of the presented work, the suitability of resistance spot, ultrasonic and laser beam welding for connecting battery cells is evaluated.