Photo sourced from The Toronto Star
By now you’ve probably heard that Windsor has a new battery plant coming to town as a joint venture between LG Energy Solution and Stellantis. If everything goes to plan, it will bring 3000 direct jobs and 30,000 indirect jobs to the region and production on the plant will begin sometime in 2024.
As someone who works in CNC machining, I was curious how it may impact our industry and it looks like it will be a positive one because the two go hand-in-hand. The CNC machining industry plays a significant role in the production of car batteries. CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is a manufacturing process that utilizes computer-controlled machines to remove material from a workpiece and shape it into a desired form.
When it comes to car battery plants, CNC machining is involved in several aspects:
Battery Cell Production: CNC machines are used to manufacture the battery cells themselves. These machines can precisely shape and mill the electrode materials, such as lithium-ion cathodes and anodes, to the required specifications. CNC machining ensures accuracy and consistency in producing the intricate components of the battery cells.
Battery Pack Assembly: CNC machining is employed in the assembly of battery packs. This involves fabricating the structural components, such as brackets and frames, that hold the individual battery cells in place. CNC machines can mill and drill these components with high precision, ensuring proper alignment and secure assembly.
Cooling Systems: Car battery plants often incorporate cooling systems to manage the temperature of the battery packs. CNC machining is used to fabricate heat sinks, cooling plates, and other components that aid in thermal management. These components are designed to efficiently dissipate heat generated during battery operation, thus enhancing the overall performance and lifespan of the batteries.
Tooling and Fixturing: CNC machining is instrumental in producing tooling and fixturing for car battery plant operations. These include jigs, fixtures, molds, and dies that assist in the manufacturing process. CNC machines can accurately create these custom tools and fixtures, ensuring precise alignment and proper assembly during battery production.
Overall, CNC machining enables the production of high-quality, precise components required in car battery plants. It plays a vital role in shaping battery cells, assembling battery packs, facilitating thermal management, and providing essential tooling for the manufacturing process.