Xaar, a leading innovator in inkjet technology, has introduced two new printheads, the Xaar eX and Nitrox eX, tailored specifically for coating the next generation of batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems. This launch marks a pioneering step, as Xaar is the first inkjet company to develop a printhead dedicated to battery applications, setting a new industry standard for coating technology. The advent of 800-volt batteries in new car models necessitates advanced coatings to ensure battery performance and safety, particularly in preventing insulation breakdown and managing the heat generated during charging. Xaar’s Ultra High Viscosity Technology facilitates the jetting of advanced functional fluids, essential for creating robust UV coatings with enhanced mechanical and dielectric properties.
The Xaar eX and Nitrox eX printheads are designed to handle the specific needs of prismatic and cylindrical batteries, respectively. They incorporate Xaar’s unique recirculating TF Technology, which allows printing in any orientation and ensures consistent coating without repositioning the battery. This technology also helps maintain nozzle cleanliness and fluid consistency, reducing downtime and enhancing performance. High Laydown technology enables the application of thick coatings in a single pass, improving manufacturing efficiency. Additionally, AcuChp Technology ensures uniform drop volumes for consistent layer thickness, and SureFlow self-cleaning technology minimizes operational interruptions by preventing nozzle blockages. According to Graham Tweedale, Xaar Group’s COO, these advancements represent a significant leap in battery coating technology, addressing key manufacturing challenges and paving the way for safer, more durable, and high-performing battery systems for the next generation of EVs and energy storage solutions.
