As part of the IDEEL research project (Implementation of Laser Drying Processes for Economical & Ecological Lithium-Ion Battery Production), project partners from industry and research are developing a laser drying process for the more climate-friendly and economical serial production of lithium-ion batteries. Now, for the first time, the process has been successfully scaled up to a coating and drying speed of 5 m/min in a continuous process, proving that industrial implementation is technically possible and economically viable.

At SPIE Photonics West in San Francisco, CA, High Power Diode Laser specialist Laserline, Inc. will be showcasing laser solutions for key industrial applications such as the production of electric copper components, semiconductor processing and the drying of lithium-ion batteries. The technology leader in the field of infrared and blue diode lasers has unique systems such as a blue CW laser with 4 kW output power and a blue 200 W pulse laser in its portfolio.

Diode laser specialist Laserline will be presenting sustainable solutions for the coating of wind turbine bearing bolts and brake discs as well as the additive manufacturing of copper components at formnext 2023. Improvements in energy and material efficiency are just as much in focus as environmental and climate protection as well as resource conservation through reduced process footprint. Interested parties will find Laserline in Hall 12.0, Booth E19.

Up until now, battery electrodes have been dried primarily in gas-operated conveyor furnaces. However, a recently developed approach based on diode lasers is noticeably superior to the convective drying process and for the first time makes it possible to produce laser-dried anodes and cathodes in a roll-to-roll process. A white paper by Laserline and staff from the PEM (Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components) group at RWTH Aachen University highlights the advantages of this diode laser-based electrode drying process and outlines the path to more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly battery production.

LWL-Sachsenkabel GmbH will present the spectrum of its services in the field of customized cabling solutions for users in the telecommunications, data center and building sector at ANGA COM 2023 (May 23-25 in Cologne). Another highlight of the trade show appearance is the C2E high-density system. Visitors to the trade fair will find Sachsenkabel at the booth of the US parent company Amphenol Corporation in Hall 8, Booth D80.

Under the watchword ‘Digital Laser Solutions’, Laserline has expanded its portfolio with hardware and software solutions for the implementation of fully networked Industrie 4.0 process architectures. All Laserline LDF diode lasers are with immediate effect ex works available with OPC UA interfaces and can thus be integrated seamlessly into IoT architectures on an OPC UA basis. Additionally, Laserline offers a retrofit solution for the OPC UA upgrade of existing systems. By the IoT integration of the laser, the switchover to a forward-planning or condition-depended maintenance inter alia is supported.

In order to counteract the health hazards posed by particulate matter, the EU has for the first time also included dust from braking systems within the new vehicle emission standard, Euro 7. Diode-laser-clad hard coatings enable reliable compliance with all specifications, reducing brake dust with a maximum particle size of PM10 by up to 90 percent. The series-ready cladding process developed by Laserline enables cost-sensitive mass production for all market segments.

Dr. Michael Müller (38) is the new General Manager of LWL-Sachsenkabel GmbH from 1st January 2023. Michael Müller who holds a PhD in mechanical engineering, succeeds Silvia Duus, who will retire after 15 years leading the company. He aims to continue the growth strategy of the established fiber optic cabling specialist and, above all, take advantage of the business opportunities in the field of broadband development.

At this year's InnoTrans, Schneider Electric will present an integrated portfolio for railway infrastructure digitalization. This includes SF6-free medium-voltage switchgear, software solutions from ETAP and AVEVA, and matching service offerings.

The IDEEL research project, supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as part of the Battery 2020 funding program, aims to launch a laser drying process for a more climate-friendly and economical series production of lithium-ion batteries. The results will be incorporated into the Fraunhofer Research Fab Battery Cells (Forschungsfertigung Batteriezelle) in Münster, Germany, which will enable users from both industry and research to test and optimize the series production of new batteries.

Up until now, battery electrodes have been dried primarily in gas-operated conveyor furnaces. However, a recently developed approach based on diode lasers is noticeably superior to the convective drying process and for the first time makes it possible to produce laser-dried anodes and cathodes in a roll-to-roll process. A white paper by Laserline and staff from the PEM (Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components) group at RWTH Aachen University highlights the advantages of this diode laser-based electrode drying process and outlines the path to more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly battery production.

At the wind industry's largest trade fair, Schneider Electric will present a comprehensive portfolio of digital solutions for safe and efficient wind farm operation. In addition to specialized hardware, software solutions from partners AVEVA and ETAP will also be on display.

Highlights of Laserline’s presence at formnext 2022 include cross-material cladding and additive manufacturing processes through application of blue lasers, and infrared-laser-based hard coatings for wear reduction in brake discs. Those interested can find us at Hall 12, Booth B19.

LWL-Sachsenkabel GmbH has launched a modular rack unit with high packing density for structured cabling in 400G and 800G data centers. The 19-inch MRU system is available in 1U installation height, can hold up to 144 fibers, and is suitable for patch and splice applications.