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Battery Pack Laser Welding: Why Laser is the Best Choice for Battery Manufacturers

09/05/2025

As electric mobility, renewable energy, and portable electronics expand rapidly, the demand for high-performance battery packs continues to grow. A key factor in battery reliability is how cells are connected into modules. Laser welding has emerged as the go-to method for precision, speed, and performance, and RMA is leading this transition with advanced laser automation
solutions.

 

The Growing Role of Laser Welding

 

Modern battery production needs to be efficient and precise. Whether joining aluminium tabs, copper busbars, or battery enclosures, laser welding provides a clean, non-contact, high-speed alternative that reduces thermal distortion and enables welding of dissimilar metals.

 

Comparison of Welding Technologies in Battery Manufacturing


Selecting the right joining technology is critical for battery performance, safety, and long-term reliability. Each welding method has its place in production, but they differ significantly in precision, thermal impact, material compatibility, and scalability.

  • Ultrasonic Welding

    This method is well suited for joining thin tabs and foils, particularly in low-thickness applications. The process is fast and introduces minimal heat, which is beneficial for temperature-sensitive components. However, its capabilities become limited when working with thicker conductors or more rigid materials. Joint strength and long-term durability can also become concerns in more demanding battery applications.

  • Resistance Spot Welding

    A widely used and cost-effective technology that is relatively simple to implement. It performs well with steel components but faces challenges when welding highly conductive materials such as copper and aluminum - both common in modern battery cells and modules. Limited control over heat distribution may lead to deformation and inconsistent joint quality, especially with thicker or multi-layer materials.

  • Arc Welding

    Arc welding can produce strong and deep welds, but it introduces a significant amount of heat into the material. This high thermal input can negatively affect sensitive battery components and lead to structural distortion. The process is also comparatively slow and less suited to the high precision and automation demands of large-scale battery production.

  • Laser Welding

    Laser welding represents the most advanced and versatile joining solution for modern battery manufacturing. It delivers exceptional precision, a minimal heat-affected zone, and very high processing speeds, all of which directly translate into superior quality and repeatability. Laser technology enables reliable welding of copper, aluminum, and dissimilar material combinations - a key requirement in cell, module, and battery pack production.


In addition, laser welding provides outstanding design flexibility, seamless integration with automated production systems, and the ability to access hard-to-reach areas without physical tool contact. These advantages make it the ideal solution for highly automated, high-volume manufacturing environments where both productivity and uncompromising weld quality are essential.

 

Battery Welding Technology Comparison

 

Technology Material Compatibility Heat Input Precision Speed Automation Suitability Key Limitations
Ultrasonic Welding Best for thin foils and tabs Very low Moderate High Good Limited depth, weaker joints in thicker materials
Resistance Spot Welding Steel good; copper & aluminum challenging Moderate to high Low to moderate Moderate Moderate Inconsistent with conductive or thick materials
Arc Welding Wide range of metals High Moderate Low Limited for high-volume precision work Large heat-affected zone, risk of distortion
Laser Welding Excellent for copper, aluminum, and dissimilar metals Low and highly controlled Very high Very high Excellent Higher initial investment, requires process expertise

 



 

Advantages of Laser Welding

 

1. Speed and Throughput

Welds in < 0.1 seconds. Machines like RMA Battery Welder Max are built for high-volume production with automation and real-time QC.

 

2. Precision and Quality

High beam focus = accurate, spatter-free welds with minimal thermal impact.

 

3. Strength and Reliability

Laser welds create strong, conductive joints suitable for high-current EV batteries.

 

RMA Battery Welder Series

 

All models run on the intuitive BW Interface software for weld configuration and traceability.

 

Applications and Use Cases

  • EV battery pack assembly
  • Battery repair and rework
  • Stationary energy storage systems
  • Research and pilot manufacturing

 

Expertise and Innovation

 

RMA supports clients through its Laser Application Center (LAC), offering full-cycle support—from prototyping to ramp-up. Expertise in fixture design, monitoring, and validation ensure production-ready processes.

 

Real-World Results

 

RMA solutions are used by European battery leaders. Benefits include reduced downtime, improved weld quality, and support for innovation.

 

Looking Ahead

 

As electrification accelerates, laser welding will remain a key enabler of scalable, reliable battery production. RMA is committed to advancing the future of energy through innovation.

 

FAQ – Laser Welding for Battery Manufacturing

 

What types of battery cells can be laser welded?

Cylindrical (18650, 21700), prismatic, and pouch cells are all compatible.

 

Is laser welding safe for sensitive battery modules?

Yes. With focused heat and non-contact operation, it’s among the safest techniques.

 

What is the cycle time for laser welding a cell?

As low as 0.1 seconds per weld with optimized systems like RMA BW Max.

 

Can laser welding be automated?

Absolutely. RMA offers fully automated platforms with robotic handling and inline QC.

 

Contact Us

Looking to improve your battery production process? Get in touch with RMA for a free laser welding consultation.

 

Sources

  1. RMA company website – https://myrma.eu
  2. Fraunhofer ILT – "Laser Welding of Batteries"
  3. Battery University – "Welding Battery Tabs"
  4. Laser Focus World – "How Lasers Power the EV Revolution"
  5. Journal of Manufacturing Processes – "Joining Technologies in Li-Ion Batteries"

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