With the rapid development of the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry, the requirements for battery performance and safety are becoming more stringent. In the production process of lithium battery modules (PACK), laser welding technology is widely used due to its high precision and efficiency. However, before the advent of annular spot laser welding technology, traditional laser welding methods had certain limitations. These shortcomings led to the development of newer, more effective technologies, such as annular spot laser welding.
Problems with Traditional Welding Technology
1. High Heat-Affected Zone:
Traditional dot-shaped or linear laser welding methods concentrate heat in specific areas, which can lead to a larger heat-affected zone (HAZ). This inhomogeneous heat distribution can affect the mechanical properties of the material being welded and may also cause deformation. The larger HAZ is particularly problematic in materials sensitive to heat, such as the thin metal sheets used in battery production.
2. Unstable Weld Quality:
For workpieces with uneven thicknesses or complex multi-layer structures, traditional laser welding may struggle to maintain a consistent and stable weld across the entire surface. The instability in weld quality becomes particularly noticeable when working with varying material types or when multiple layers need to be welded at once.
3. Inefficiency in Complex Applications:
When dealing with complex geometries or situations that require fine control, traditional welding methods often involve cumbersome and time-consuming adjustments of parameters. Achieving the desired welding results requires a lot of trial and error, and the process of parameter optimization adds extra time to production, reducing overall efficiency.
Research and Development of Annular Spot Laser Welding
In response to the above problems, researchers began working on new laser welding technologies around 2015. The result was the development of annular spot laser welding. This innovative technology changes the laser’s output mode, producing a special energy distribution pattern known as the “ring spot.” In this pattern, the laser beam has a low-intensity center with higher intensity around the edges, forming a ring shape.
Annular spot welding solves many of the problems associated with traditional laser welding methods by creating a more controlled and efficient heat distribution pattern. This technology improves the quality of welds, increases production efficiency, and enhances the adaptability of the welding process.
Advantages of Annular Spot Laser Welding
1. Reduced Heat-Affected Zone:
One of the major advantages of annular spot welding is the ability to significantly reduce the heat-affected zone (HAZ). In traditional laser welding, the heat is concentrated at a single point, leading to a larger HAZ. However, with the annular spot, the heat is more evenly distributed around the area to be welded, reducing the amount of heat transferred to the surrounding material. This results in less deformation and minimal impact on the material’s properties, especially when working with heat-sensitive materials such as battery components.
2. Improved Welding Quality:
Annular spot welding’s unique energy distribution allows for a more uniform melting depth and width, even when working with materials of varying thicknesses or types. This ensures that the weld is consistent across the entire surface and helps improve the overall integrity and strength of the joint. With annular spots, it becomes easier to create high-quality, reliable welds that meet strict industry standards, particularly in applications where the highest quality is required, such as in lithium-ion battery production.
3. Enhanced Adaptability:
Another major benefit of annular spot laser welding is its adaptability. This technology is especially effective in challenging application scenarios, such as small parts, precision components, or complex multi-layer structures. The ability to fine-tune the laser parameters with greater flexibility allows it to handle a wide range of applications, from small-scale production to larger, more intricate welding tasks. This makes it an ideal solution for industries such as automotive manufacturing, aerospace, and battery production, where precision and flexibility are critical.
4. Increased Work Efficiency:
The annular spot laser welding process optimizes the flow of energy, which not only improves weld quality but also simplifies the overall welding process. The laser beam’s uniform distribution allows for faster and more efficient welding, reducing the time required for adjustments and parameter settings. This means that more tasks can be completed within a shorter time frame, increasing the overall productivity of the welding process. As a result, manufacturers can reduce costs while maintaining high levels of quality and precision in their production processes.
Our Company’s Solutions
As a company focused on providing advanced manufacturing solutions, Huiyao Laser understands that high-quality welding is critical to ensuring the safety and reliability of lithium-ion batteries. To address the unique needs of the battery production industry, all of our laser welding equipment is equipped with annular spot welding technology. This ensures that our customers can achieve higher standards of product manufacturing.
Whether it is a small laboratory or a large-scale industrial production environment, our products are designed to meet your requirements for both accuracy and efficiency. The integration of annular spot laser welding technology in our equipment allows for high-quality, consistent welds, even under challenging conditions. With Huiyao Laser’s advanced solutions, you can trust that your welding processes will be optimized for maximum efficiency, while maintaining the integrity and safety of your products.
Our annular spot laser welding technology is especially beneficial for industries that require precise, high-performance welding, such as the production of lithium batteries for new energy vehicles (NEVs). By improving the quality and efficiency of the welding process, we help businesses achieve their goals and meet the growing demands of the market.
As the demand for better battery performance and safety continues to rise, we are committed to providing the most advanced, reliable, and cost-effective welding solutions. We are confident that our annular spot laser welding technology will help you take your production processes to the next level.
