Tecman unveil anti-thermal propagation innovation
Thursday, 29 June 2023
Tecman, an advanced material engineering firm based in the West Midlands, have developed a process which enables the high-volume continuous manufacture of Framed Anti-Thermal Propagation (ATP) Pads for the first time.
Tecman have spent 18 months developing and patenting a single continuous production process that enables the company to manufacture Framed ATP Pads – a type of advanced cell barrier, which incorporates a physical built-in spacer that surrounds the insulation pad.
This built-in spacer provides optimal space between battery cells, and helps to prevent thermal propagation by allowing the cells space to expand and contract, and by providing a degree of mechanical resistance to the cell wall.
The process Tecman have developed, and the resulting solution, is a significant innovation for the automotive and battery storage industries. OEMs will now be able to take advantage of advanced features in a more cost-effective way, and at a significantly higher volume, than previously possible.
To date, this type of thermal cell barrier with built-in spacers has been complex to manufacture because they require multiple components. Tecman’s streamlined production process eliminates the need for third party pre-conversion and reduces costs by unlocking manufacturing speeds of up to 120 parts per minute, per machine.
The resulting Framed ATP Pads will be suitable for multiple prismatic and pouch cell solutions and be customisable so that customers have the option to use their own specified materials as well.
Kevin Porter, Technical Director at Tecman, said “I’m really excited to be launching our industry leading manufacturing system at Battery Cells and Systems Expo this month. This is a major innovation for the industry and will give OEMs access to an optimised cell barrier solution. It enables all of the benefits of the optimised cell barrier at a cost-effective level and with the assurance of meeting capacity requirements. This is made possible through the high efficiency design which maximises OEE and material utilisation.
Framed ATP Pads have been so complicated to manufacture that it has prohibited the development of this design to date, so we are delighted to be the first to bring this innovation to market.”
About Tecman
Tecman is a leading advanced material converter and end-to-end manufacturing partner for the automotive and wider manufacturing industries. Tecman have a 25-year track record and specialise in delivering value-added solutions for thermal management, bonding, surface protection and acoustic management.
Further Information
Tecman are exhibiting at Battery Cells and Systems Expo and hosting a product showcase presentation to launch this innovation on 28th June at 1300. This will take place on stand 806.