Exploring the End-results of Manufacturing Success
As the EV industry surges forward, the complexity and precision of material manufacturing is higher than ever. Machine operators on the manufacturing floor are responsible for ensuring that every product meets the stringent requirements of the EV industry.
To produce high-quality, reliable and innovative materials suitable for the EV revolution, ongoing collaboration, education and discussions between cross-functional teams are vital.
At Saint-Gobain® Tape Solutions, our teams are committed to fostering a culture of both collaboration and continuous improvement. In alignment with these goals, our EV team recently hosted a training event at our New York-based manufacturing sites to showcase the many different EV application challenges that foam and tape materials can help solve.
This event was more than just an opportunity for learning; it was a chance to bring together different disciplines — R&D, Applications Engineering, Sales, Product Management and Manufacturing — to work side-by-side. It was a chance for team members to learn from each other, understand how their roles overlap and see how collective efforts contribute to innovative solutions for the growing EV market.
In this article
- Celebrating Our Team’s Contributions to EV Manufacturing
- Adhesive Tapes: Enhancing EV Battery Structure
- Thermal Management: Ensuring Optimal Performance
- Thermal Runaway Protection (TRP) Materials: Enhancing Safety
- Materials for Electrical Insulation and Pack Gasketing
- Bridging the Gap Between Innovation and Market Needs
- Continuing the Momentum
The training event provided invaluable insights into how the products manufactured by the Tape Solutions teams address critical EV challenges, such as improving/managing cell structure, enhancing thermal management, mitigating fire risk, managing cell swelling, reinforcing safety as well as providing environmental protection and electrical insulation.
These collaborative efforts not only enhance product knowledge but also build a deeper connection to the bigger picture — learning how everyone’s daily work contributes to a more sustainable future. This, in turn, creates an unshakable sense of pride in the work that is done. It is a way for employees to see and understand they are not just manufacturing products; they are helping drive innovation to make a positive impact on the world.
During the event, one of the key areas highlighted was the use of adhesive tapes in helping to manage EV battery structures. With features such as high dielectric strength, high energy absorption capacity and tailored tack & adhesion, acrylic and polyurethane tapes are go-to solutions for helping to improve the structural integrity of the battery pack.
Our teams demonstrated how these versatile materials serve various roles, from assembly aids and electrical insulation to bonding, thermal conductivity, wire wraps, sensor fixation and high-performance labels.
The discussions on adhesive tapes seamlessly transitioned into their ability to be customized for specific assembly types or speeds, making them an invaluable tool in automated processes. This versatility not only improves assembly speed and efficiency but also supports innovative solutions tailored to specific EV manufacturing needs.
Learning about different types of backings and the use of R&D pilot coating and converting equipment for rapid sample preparation helped to deepen the understanding and appreciation that manufacturing teams and machine operators had for their own role in driving these EV solutions and innovations.
As the training continued, the focus shifted from structural solutions to thermal management — a critical component in the safety and efficiency of EVs. Materials such as ThermaCool® were highlighted for their role in heat dissipation, which is vital for allowing heat to flow away from the battery, optimizing the thermal operation of EV cells and prolonging battery life.
This segment reinforced the importance of meticulous attention to detail in manufacturing products that contribute to safety and EV lifespan. Understanding thermal management solutions provided our cross-functional teams with a broader perspective on how different materials complement each other to enhance overall battery performance.
Following the discussion on thermal management, the event naturally progressed to a broader focus on safety. Conversations centered on TRP materials, which help provide both mechanical and thermal cushioning in the event of a thermal runaway — a critical safety feature for EV batteries. Our manufacturing operators were particularly engaged as they learned about the dual functionality of TRP materials which can combine the lifespan-enhancing utility of an EV compression pad with the lifesaving power of thermal runaway protection.
This session underscored the importance of material design and precision in materials manufacturing.
Teams also learned about how silicone and micro-cellular polyurethane foams are utilized to protect enclosures of EV charging stations from the external environment and to dissipate heat and insulate components. The discussion on electrical insulation and pack gasketing emphasized the vital role of these products in maintaining the safety and efficiency of the EV charging infrastructure all around the globe. This further highlighted the critical role of our products within the EV market.
This two-day learning event took place on the production floor at both manufacturing sites. The seamless transition between topics helped all teams appreciate the importance of their every-day role as well as the broader applications of foam and tape solutions in supporting various aspects of the EV infrastructure.
The EV team came equipped with samples, explanatory posters and a full model mock-up of an EV battery. This allowed for a visual representation of how each material is utilized within battery pack applications. While a lot of technical knowledge was shared, this two-day event also helped build a deeper connection and sense of pride for the products our teams help create.
By pulling together cross-functional teams, everyone became better versed in the “how” as well as the “why” behind each step related to the creation and distribution of our products.
These on-site training sessions and collaborative environments allowed for immediate feedback, questions and discussions, leading to quicker problem-solving, better communication, greater trust and more effective production processes.
Training events like this help us bridge the gap between innovation and market needs. We become better equipped for driving forward the future of EV technology — together.
As we continue this journey, we must recognize and celebrate the contributions of every team member. Together, we not only help meet the demands of the EV market, but help shape the future of sustainable transportation.
Our EV team is committed to the learning journey. Whether this involves internal trainings for our employees regarding the intricacies of EV applications or conversations with customers, prospects and partners about EV market trends and developments, we are committed to driving the EV revolution forward, one innovative material at a time. Our teams often engage in tech day events to have tailored conversations and take a deeper dive into emerging markets, key challenges and new technologies.
Up next: Our team will be at the upcoming AABC (Advanced Automotive Battery Conference) from December 9–12 to fuel new conversations and maintain our persistence in EV materials advancement. Come see us there!