As electric mobility, renewable energy, and portable electronics expand at record pace, the demand for high-performance battery packs is surging. A key factor in battery reliability, safety, and performance lies in how individual cells are joined into modules and packs. In this context, laser welding has emerged as a game-changing technology, offering unparalleled precision, speed, and strength. At the forefront of this transformation there is RMA, a leader in laser welding automation, delivering solutions that set new standards in battery manufacturing.
Modern battery production requires techniques that are both highly efficient and extremely reliable. Whether it’s welding of thin aluminium tabs, connecting copper busbars, or creating seals for battery enclosures, joining methods must operate at high speed without risk of sensitive components.
Laser welding provides a powerful answer. This non-contact method uses concentrated light energy to fuse metals quickly and precisely. Its high focus and minimal heat input make it ideal for working with demanding battery materials, enabling reliable, high-strength welds with minimal thermal distortion. With the ability to weld dissimilar metals with extreme accuracy, laser welding opens new possibilities for battery design and production.
Battery pack assembly involves joining multiple materials – often thin foils, tabs, and terminals made of aluminum, copper, nickel, and steel. Several methods are commonly used:
Laser welding thus offers a unique combination of depth, speed, and control unmatched by other techniques.
Battery packs must meet demanding performance criteria – from high current delivery and vibration resistance in EVs to compact form factors in consumer electronics. Laser welding supports these needs with three major advantages:
Laser welding is extremely fast. A well-tuned system can weld a cell connection in under 0.1 seconds, creating thousands of welds per shift. This is essential for scaling production to meet rising global battery demand. Systems like RMA’s Battery Welder Max support high-speed, high-volume manufacturing with minimal downtime, thanks to fast scanning heads, automated loading, and real-time quality control.
Laser beam can be focused to micrometre diameters, allowing precise weld placement and minimal distortion. Advanced vision systems and automated alignment ensure consistent welds across batches. A well-adjusted process can be spatter-less, producing clean joints and narrow heat-affected zones – all critical for compact and sensitive battery modules.
Laser welding creates deep metallurgical bonds with low electrical resistance, crucial for power delivery in high-current applications. Weld geometry and penetration depth can be tailored to specific strength or thermal performance needs. Moreover, the process is repeatable and stable, making it ideal for EV battery packs that must survive thousands of charging cycles and mechanical stress.
RMA has developed a complete portfolio of laser welding machines under the Battery Welder brand, each designed to meet different production scenarios:
These systems share a common characteristic: precision motion, sophisticated software, and advanced diagnostics. RMA’s proprietary BW Interface software makes it easy to configure weld patterns, adjust laser parameters, and ensure traceability – even in dynamic production environments.
RMA doesn’t only build machines – it offers full-cycle support. Through its Laser Application Center (LAC), RMA helps customers test, optimize, and validate welding processes for their specific battery formats. From early-stage prototyping to full production ramp-up, RMA provides guidance in process development, fixture design, and in-line monitoring.
This approach ensures that battery producers not only get cutting-edge equipment but also benefit from RMA’s deep application knowledge. Whether a client is assembling cylindrical 18650 cells or large prismatic EV modules, RMA delivers tailored laser solutions that improve quality and productivity.
RMA’s technology is trusted by manufacturers across Europe and beyond. With installations in both industrial and laboratory settings, the Battery Welder series has become a go-to solution for producers seeking high-speed, high-quality welding. By combining automation, precision, and service, RMA helps its partners to reduce production time, improve battery reliability, and accelerate innovation.
The electrification trend is only accelerating. As vehicle platforms shift to electric, grid storage grows, and new chemistries emerge, the need for reliable and scalable joining methods becomes more critical. Laser welding will continue to lead the charge – and with it, companies like RMA will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of battery technology.
With its proven platforms, application expertise, and commitment to innovation, RMA delivers exactly what modern battery manufacturers need: faster, stronger connections with advanced laser technology.
