Italian automation specialist Comau has inaugurated a 500-square-meter dry room at its headquarters in Grugliasco. The facility is intended for developing and validating production processes for lithium-ion and solid-state batteries. It is intended to serve as a laboratory for internal research and will also be open to customers, universities, and associations.
Dew points of up to minus 50 degrees Celsius
The laboratory is equipped with three test stations, two of which are said to reach dew points of minus 40 degrees and one to reach minus 50 degrees Celsius. This environment enables the processing of sensitive materials such as lithium metal and electrolytes. The investment costs for the dry room amount to around one million euros.
New cell formats and battery chemistries
Comau will use the room to further develop processes in electrode production, cell assembly, and forming. The company plans to develop expertise in new cell formats and battery chemistries. Existing processes, such as laser notching and stacking, will also be further developed at the laboratory. Comau maintains seven innovation centers worldwide, including locations in Europe, Asia, and North America.
