9th Automotive Photonics

Arrive at your leisure and use the time for initial discussions over a cup of coffee and a small breakfast.

Richard Bannmüller, Managing Director CEO, TRUMPF Laser und Systemtechnik SE 

Dr.-Ing. Jan-Philipp Weberpals, Expert laser beam processes for car body construction and eletromobility, AUDI AG 

The battery is one major cost driver and has an overall high-quality requirement on the joining technology. Therefore this novel holistic approach is a key process for electrification.

Each individual cell contact of a high-voltage battery module is measured using AI-supported image analysis to ensure a precise and reliable weld seam positioning. The basis for a stable and robust welding process is a broad fundamental knowledge and the use of research facilities such as DESY in Hamburg. This is the key to further improve the quality by looking into the invisible side of the process. To increase productivity and round off the holistic approach the use of the AI embedded sensor technology enables to obtain direct process feedback as a three-dimensional fingerprint of each individual weld seam. Using AI and extracting absolute physical values like static tensile force and welding depth enable a significant increase in data quality.

Through the quality control loop with batch size one scrap and high follow-up costs can be avoided. And finally, this plays an important role in reducing the CO2 footprint of the battery manufacturing.

Karlheinz Loistl, Teamlead Technology, STIWA AUTOMATION GMBH

Brief introduction to STIWA, use of lasers over the years, presentation of selected eMobility projects with consideration of laser technologies and the task of implementing automation. Outlook on current challenges. 

Gerald Brugger, Business Development, voestalpine Automotive Components Linz GmbH & Co KG 

The automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by electrification, lightweight construction, sustainability, and cost optimization. 

Tailor Welded Blanks (TWB) offer a sustainable and efficient solution to meet these challenges. By combining different material grades and sheet thicknesses in a single component, TWBs enable optimized material utilization, reducing overall weight and minimizing raw material consumption. This not only enhances vehicle energy efficiency but also contributes to a more sustainable production process with a lower CO₂ footprint. 

This presentation will explore the applications of TWBs in modern BIW design and introduce current manufacturing technologies. 

Time for further discussions over coffee.

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Prof. Dr. Achim Kampker, Chair of Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components, RWTH Aachen University

China's approach to battery value creation has shown that a clear strategy can lead to global leadership. China, particularly in Asia, has established a dominant position in production capacity. Additionally, much of the equipment for Gigafactories, which was once considered a European domain, now comes from China. We can observe that global battery production capacities will continue to grow significantly in the coming years. By 2040, the market is expected to increase sixfold, keeping the battery market highly dynamic and attractive. Europe is not expected to be a major player, even though absolute production capacities will increase significantly here. 

The presentation is divided into three sections. First, we will examine innovations observed along the battery value chain. The talk discuss how Europe should strategically position itself in the coming years. 

Alexander Fast, Industrial Engineering E-Motor, SCHAEFFLER Automotive Buehl GmbH & Co. KG 
Ricus Müller, Senior Expert, SCHAEFFLER Vitesco Technologies Germany GmbH 

This presentation focuses on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in electric motor production. We will explore how AI technologies enhance manufacturing processes. A key highlight is the development of an intelligent laser welding process that effectively addresses positional deviations in rectangular copper wires (hairpins). We aim to showcase how AI is revolutionizing the industry and setting new standards in quality and performance. 

Markus Harke, Project Manager, Volkswagen AG 

With the future EU7 standard for vehicle emissions, brake emissions will be regulated for the first time. Vehicles with conventional combustion engines in particular have so far emitted many times the future particulate matter limits. A functional surface coating of the friction surfaces of brake discs could be found to be the most effective measure for reducing brake emissions. The presentation will outline the advantages of high-speed laser metal deposition (HoLa) as a powerful and economical process.

Johannes Bührle, Director of Business Development Managment, TRUMPF Laser- und Systemtechnik SE 
Dr. Mauritz Möller, Head of Global Business Development and Industry Management Mobility, TRUMPF Laser- und Systemtechnik SE 

Look forward to a fascinating discussion with our TRUMPF industry experts Johannes Bührle and Mauritz Möller, in which you will learn first-hand how laser applications are revolutionizing the automotive industry and making a decisive contribution to the mobility of the future. The presentation will cover practical advances in power electronics and eDrives, as well as the targeted use of artificial intelligence in laser-based production. New developments in battery cells and modules, as well as innovative vehicle manufacturing processes - from giga-casting to multi-component integration - show how these technologies are increasing efficiency and enabling new products. 

Time for further discussions over lunch. 

Together we will visit our Laser Application Center and our Customer Center. In a time of change, knowledge is crucial. That's why the focus of our tour is on solutions for the future-proof automation of your production. We prepare everything so that you take a lot of aha experiences and implementation ideas with you into your everyday production. 

Experience the laser live and look forward to new applications and discussions with the experts. 

We are looking forward to a joint conclusion with live music, cocktails and snacks.