Samsung SDI is planning to add 3D CT scanning in its battery production, TheElec has learned.
The inspection will be done in-line and the company has already adopted the system at its factory in Goed, Hungary.
The equipment was supplied by SFA, which has been supplying them to battery cell makers since 2020.
LG Energy Solution has already adopted the method in its battery production.
Samsung SDI is currently planning to build a new factory near the existing one at Goed.
The new factory is being called Stage 2; another second factory at Goed is being called Stage 1.
The second factory Goed is also expected to get the 3D CT scanning system right away.
Previously, X-ray equipment was more commonly used to inspect the insides of finished batteries.
But 3D CT, which also uses X-ray, allows battery cell makers to get a three dimensional image that allows them to see the alignment of the cathode, anode and separator to check for warps and bends.
However, 3D CT takes longer but SFA has developed equipment that takes the image within 4 seconds.
Its machine also checks multiple cells at one time to further increase the speed.
Inspections for defects its a priority for cell makers due to the recent trend of electric cars catching fire during charging.
