- EV Tech Insider
- Posts
- ENNOVI launches new flexible circuit production process for low voltage connectivity in EV battery cell contact systems
ENNOVI launches new flexible circuit production process for low voltage connectivity in EV battery cell contact systems
ENNOVI reports it has introduced an advanced and sustainable method of producing flexible circuits for low-voltage signals in electric vehicle (EV) battery cell contacting systems.
The company’s new flexible die-cut circuit (FDC) technology offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to the commonly used flexible printed circuits (FPCs), which are the most expensive component in the current collector assembly.
FPCs are typically manufactured using a multi-stage, batch photolithography process to etch copper traces for the flexible circuit. This process involves the use of corrosive chemicals to dissolve unwanted copper, and the extraction of waste copper from these chemicals is both time-consuming and energy-intensive. In contrast, ENNOVI’s FDC technology employs a die-cutting process that allows for instant recycling of copper, which the company says is a more sustainable choice.
Unlike FPCs, which have a size limitation of 600x600mm, FDCs have no length restrictions as they are manufactured reel-to-reel. Under certain design considerations, the FDC provides similar performance characteristics to FPCs. These results were confirmed through rigorous in-house dimension, thermal shock, trace resistance, temperature rise, insulation resistance, and high voltage testing.
Gustavo Cibrian, Product Manager, Energy Systems, at ENNOVI, said, “Adopting the FDC capability for flexible circuits aligns with our vision to think outside the box in creating a sustainable battery value chain for EVs. Our efforts enable ENNOVI to offer battery manufacturers a CCA design solution that balances their imperatives in terms of cost, time and performance. Allowing them to design to cost.”