WMG, University of Warwick

Established in 1980, WMG, University of Warwick is a leading research, education and business department of the University of Warwick and houses the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC), a national facility for battery research.

Ceetak Heat Sealing Solutions was approached by WMG to assist in the design and manufacture of a bespoke battery sealing unit as part of their on-going research to support electrification in many industries, especially the automotive and aerospace sectors. 

The Engineering Brief

WMG required a battery sealing machine to be self-contained, adaptable, free-standing and to be manually operated. The unit will seal a pouch made of foil laminate and in combination with being able to form a seal around embedded instrumentation, such as fibreoptics and flexible PCB sensor components.

The Technology and Result

An ImPulse Heat Sealing (IPH) system was used for this project because it offers a compliant weld face compared to the solid metal sealing tools often traditionally used.

IPH also promotes hermetic leak-proof seals both around, and over variations in material thickness. With its precise temperature control and accurate heat-seal force adjustment, IPH is suitable for many materials including polyethylene, and biodegradable and compostable films. 

The result is a user-friendly and adaptable sealing unit with a vital role to ensure the battery pouch has perfect seal integrity. WMG have been delighted with the results that show reliable and repeatable placement of miniature sensors within their pouch cell manufacturing line and instant improvements in seal quality and consistency.