The coating process is a critical step in battery manufacturing, particularly for lithium-ion and solid-state batteries. In coating, thin layers of active materials are applied onto current collectors to form electrodes. This layer of material allows the battery to store and release energy. With the careful application of this coating, manufacturers ensure the battery will function properly and efficiently, providing the power needed for devices ranging from smartphones to electric vehicles.
 
University researchers, students and industry users will be able to customize the coating configurations of the new machine line to scale to the scope of their specific project, from the lab to pilot production line.
 
“We are excited to collaborate with The Ohio State University on this groundbreaking project. Our Click&Coat^TM machine line will empower researchers and industry professionals with the tools needed to advance battery cell manufacturing, ultimately driving innovation in the EV sector,” said Thomas Kolbusch, VP of Coatema Coating Machinery GmbH.
 
The partnership also brings a new opportunity to connect around state-of-the-art equipment, bringing Coatema R&D teams and other industry users from Germany to train and demonstrate system capabilities alongside Ohio State faculty and students.

 

 

“This long-term, strategic partnership is a remarkable opportunity for knowledge exchange and technological advancement,” said Tomi Belosevic, President and CEO of next Machinery Group, Inc. “By connecting our technological know-how, market-leading equipment, and industry experts with Ohio State's researchers, faculty, and students, we aim to foster innovation and accelerate the development of cutting-edge battery technologies. This collaboration will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Battery Center, creating a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the evolving battery market for all project partners including Honda, Schaeffler, Coatema, and us. This is why we are committed to supporting the Battery Center with multiple donations over the next several years,” he said, adding that domestic energy research and production is a matter of national security, “a challenge we are actively pursuing to overcome, right here in America.”
 
In addition to workforce training for specific system use and automakers transitioning to EV manufacturing, the center will serve as a learning space for students in materials, manufacturing, and beyond, offering internships and other experiential learning opportunities in a rapidly evolving, clean-tech manufacturing environment.
 
“Having this capability will allow students the opportunity for hands-on training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and project-based learning that will foster a skilled workforce capable of advancing EV technology and translating research into real-world applications,” Sayre said.
 
Honda, the lead foundational partner, has committed $15 million to the research and development center, while Schaeffler Americas also serves as a foundational partner. Federal funding for the center was provided through the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Extramural Construction program, thanks to the efforts of congressional champions U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown and U.S. Reps. Joyce Beatty and Mike Carey. The project was also endorsed by the State of Ohio and JobsOhio.
 
About next Machinery Group, Inc.
next Machinery Group is Coatema’s North American distributor specializing in coating, printing, and lamination solutions, with a strong focus on battery, fuel cells, electrolyzer, solar, and printed electronics technologies. Their comprehensive range of machinery and technologies is designed to optimize these critical manufacturing processes for innovative industries, start-ups, and research institutions. With a commitment to innovation, quality, flexibility, and sustainability, next Machinery Group serves a diverse clientele across various industries, driving progress and efficiency in manufacturing. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information. www.next-mg.com
 
About Coatema Coating Machinery GmbH
As the one stop shop solution for your lab2fab scale up Process, Coatema develops and builds lab, pilot, and production equipment for coating, printing, and laminating processes with more than 40 years of experience in sectors such as batteries, fuel cells, electrolyzers, solar and printed electronics. With a leading R&D center in Dormagen, Germany, the Coatema is internationally recognized for its innovations in high tech markets with its versatile and modular equipment solutions. www.coatema.de