Technical University of Braunschweig - Institute of Machine Tools and Production Technology

The Institute of Machine Tools and Production Technology (IWF) is jointly headed by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Klaus Dröder and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christoph Herrmann who hold the Chairs of Manufacturing Technology & Process Automation as well as Sustainable Production & Life Cycle Engineering.

The Chair of Production Technologies & Process Automation of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Klaus Dröder focuses on technological and automation issues along current and future manufacturing process chains. The main focus is on the development of future manufacturing strategies that enable the production of functionalized products with highest efficiency and flexibility in terms of quantity and variants. The research areas range from assembly and production automation for various components and especially batteries to the machining and processing of metallic materials, wood and composite materials and new manufacturing technologies for the integrated production of material hybrid functional structures. In this context, novel tool concepts and technologies are also considered.

Within BLB, the IWF team investigates the process steps of cell assembly located in the dry room, pouch foil processing, electrolyte filling, and cell sealing, which are the core processes of battery cell production. Here, the focus lis on researching process-product interactions and material-adapted high-throughput processes. Considering optimization potential, intelligent process controlling using AI or machine learning approach are applied throughout the entire production chain - from electrode production to the enclosed cell. In addition, the team is developing automated process technology for processing solid electrolytes and lithium metal anodes of future battery cells. Despite these topics in battery cell production, a further focus is the development of novel disassembly strategies and technologies for the recycling of battery systems, modules, and cells.