The Role of Basis Weight in Electrode Coating
SCANTECH, Germany, Leon Onorio – Manager - Sales & Business Development

Fully automated giga fab for OPV solar cells
OET (ORGANIC ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGIES P.C.), Greece, Evangelos Mekeridis – CTO

Spatial ALD development R2R
SALD B.V., Netherlands, Erik Kremers – CTO

Trials:
Trial 01: Slot die coating with conductive films and inline measurement
Trial 02: Inline web vibration measurement

Supplier exhibition

Laser drying of battery anodes
COATEMA COATING MACHINERY GMBH, Kira Grefkes – Manager R&D centre

Coating Control – intelligent networked edge alignment for renewable energy
BST GMBH, Germany, Kai Prahl – Area Sales Manager – New Energy

Hyperspectral cameras for quality control
KET MARKET, Germany, André Wahl – Technical Sales Director
FRAUNHOFER IWS, Germany, Alexander Kabardiadi-Virkovski  – Group Lead

Surface inspection and measurement solutions for web material used in fuel cells
KEYENCE DEUTSCHLAND GmbH, Germany, Johannes Schuler – Business Development Optical measurement technology

Optimal design of coating and laminating machines to reduce energy consumption and CO2 footprint
KROENERT GmbH & Co KG, Germany, Andrea Glawe – Sales Director Kroenert

Trials:
Trial 01: LIFT digital printing (Heliosonic)
Trial 02: Roll-to-Roll battery coating lab scale with integrated quality control system (Keyence)
Trial 03: Digital printing of silver inks for printed electronics (Heliosonic)

Supplier exhibition

Q&A and closing remarks

Leon Onorio started his career in the production, is a trained automotive mechatronics technician [AUDI/VW] and a studied engineer [B.Eng]. Since mid-2017, he has specialized in QA of R2R battery electrode production, where he began a part-time M.Sc. in Technology & Innovation Management at AKAD University in Stuttgart end of 2019, with the aim to operate in the interface of tech & economics. His Thesis focused on investigating the interdependencies between the process & product parameters of R2R electrode production and developing a methodology for identifying and evaluating trends & technologies for solving strategic decision-making problems.

He currently holds the position as Manager in S&B Development at SCANTECH Germany, where he is responsible for the growth of the energy market for QA solutions as well as tech advancements of their products in the field on a global level.

Evangelos Mekeridis – CTO, OET (Organic Electronic Technologies P.C.)

Mr. Evangelos Mekeridis is the CTO of Organic Electronic Technologies P.C. He joined OET in 2013 as a Researcher. Current research interests as OET’s CTO are the development and optimization of large-scale production of Organic Photovoltaics (OPVs) by printing processes, manufacturing of prototype OPV, PPV, OLED devices and Sensors with Roll-to-Roll and Sheet-to-Sheet processes, materials optimization & testing, encapsulation, development of laser processes for OE nano-materials patterning, characterization & Quality Control.

Holding 7 patents and 14 publications in international journals and more than 40 conferences related to OPVs, PPVs, Laser Patterning, Coatings, Nanomaterials, Electrochemistry and Corrosion protection. Mr. Mekeridis has participated in more than 20 EU (FP6, FP7, H2020, HE) and National (NSRF) funded R&D projects related to the development of materials, techniques for printing and optimization of organic electronics processes.

Ferdinand Bammer, Institut für Fertigungstechnik und photonische Technologien, TU Wien

Ferdinand Bammer is a Senior Scientist at the Institute for Production Engineering and Photonic Technologies of the Vienna University of Technology. His research is on fast imaging-ellipsometry for quality control of thin films in production lines in e.g. beverage-, pharmacy-, and steel-industry.

www.tuwien.at/inline-QM-3D

Erik Kremers, CTO / System Architect, SALD B.V

After studying Mechatronics in 1997 Erik became involved in various High Tech Systemprojects in the semiconductor market and industrial printing developments. Here hegained a lot of experience with high accuracy positioning systems and fast industrialrobots. In 2012 Erik switched as a system architect to SoLayTec. In addition to thetechnical challenges as CTO, he is gradually more and more involved with organizational and business challenges, which has led to the establishment of SALD.

Dr. Mariëlle Wouters – CEO, MaterialsXpertise,

Mariëlle Wouters is the owner of MaterialsXpertise in the Netherlands. She is a materials technologist by heart. After her study at Eindhoven University of Technology she was invited to perform her PhD project at the same university. In the year 2000 she graduated and continued her career at TNO where she was a scientist and project manager of various types of projects. From very small projects up to coordination of a European Project with 8 SMEs. In the year 2016 she started MaterialsXpertise. From that moment on she helps companies in understanding the changes in behaviour of formulations and/or processes in relation to the ultimate performance of the end product.

In this contribution Mariëlle will take you by the hand along a typical project relevant to formulations to be used in a slot die coating process.

Tim Emmerich – Technical Sales, Nagy Instruments

Tim Emmerich has been part of the NAGY team since the mid-90s. Initially, he worked in production, later in order picking and, after completing an economics education, he was in charge of purchasing. He has been responsible for technical sales since 2000 and has been one of the managing directors since 2024.

Michael Mohr – IIoT Engineer, EW-Tec Industrieservice & Anlagentechnik GmbH

Professional Experience:

• Bachelor Professional of Electrical Technology and Management 

Bundeswehr, 2016 – 2019

• Scholarship Recipient Electrical Engineering

NOFFZ Technologies GmbH, 2021 – 2022

• Scholarship Recipient / Working Student

EW-Tec Industrieservice & Anlagentechnik GmbH, 2022 – 2023

• IIoT Engineer

EW-Tec Industrieservice & Anlagentechnik GmbH, 2023 – Present

Education:

• Bachelor Professional of Electrical Technology and Management, 2017
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, 2019 – 2023
• Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering, 2019 – 2023
  

Key Qualifications:

• PLC Programming
• IT Communications Specialist

Kai Prahl – Area Sales Manager – New Energy, BST GMBH

• Over 25 years of experience in inline quality assurance and monitoring of web-based processes and opcal assurance systems
• More than two decades of experience in sales and business development of strategic markets and customers.
• Further focus on systemac development and implementaon of large customers into strategic accounts.
• Today responsible for sales at BST, focusing on rechargeable battery, fuel cell and organic & printed electronics industries.

Dr. Frank Walter – Head of consumables & application development, Heliosonic

Education: Polymer Chemistry, University of Mainz,Germany

Professional stations:
1992 – 1993         Eastman Kodak, Rochester NY > post doc, corporate research
1993 – 1997         DAW > aqueous coatings product development manager
1997 – 2013         Ferro
                             1997 – 2006 > ceramic inks & coatings product development manager
                             2007 – 2009  > asia pacific technical manager performance pigments & colors
                             2010 – 2013 > european product & application development manager digital inks

2014 –                 Altana
                            2014 – 2015         ACTEGA Colorchemie > aqueous flexo ink development manager
                            2015 – 2019         ACTEGA  > aqueous digital ink development manager
                            2018 – 2022         Altana New Technologies > platform manager additive manufacturing
                            2021 –                  Heliosonic > manager product & application development

André Wahl – Technical Sales Director, KETMarket GmbH

André Wahl studied Applied Physics at the University of Applied Sciences in Zwickau and began his career at Southwall Europe GmbH in Grossroehrsdorf in 2001. Southwall Europe GmbH specializes in sputter coating flexible substrates for applications in the automotive, architectural, flexible electronics, and medical industries. André held various roles in Process Engineering and R&D before becoming Site Manager in 2015. In this role, he managed the Grossroehrsdorf site with around 100 employees and led a site in Los Angeles with approximately 50 employees for three years.

In early 2023, André transitioned to Linxens Germany GmbH as Operations Manager, where he oversaw the production of RFID antennas.

In October 2023, André joined KETMarket GmbH as Technical Sales Director. In this position, he serves as an industry contact for technology consulting and supports activities related to the Innovative Marketplace. He is also involved in the EU projects HyperImage and Convert2Green, focusing on the exploitation of technical results.

Alexander Kabardiadi-Virkovski – Group Lead, Fraunhofer IWS

Alexander Kabardiadi-Virkovski, born on July 11, 1989, began his bachelor's studies at the Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau in 2009, graduating in 2013 with a thesis on "Design and Implementation of Analysis Software for Hartmann-Shack Diagrams." He continued with a master's degree in nanotechnology while working as a research associate, completing his thesis on "Rapid Alternative Method for Wavefront Analysis in Photolithography Systems" in 2015.

Since 2015, he has been a research associate at Fraunhofer IWS, AZOM department. In 2020, he became the deputy group leader, focusing on numerical methods in optical metrology and applied image processing. Also in 2020, he began his doctoral studies through a cooperative program between Friedrich Schiller University Jena and Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau, focusing on AI methods in optical imaging. Since 2024, he has been leading the group for optical surface metrology.

Kira Grefkes – R&D Project Manager, COATEMA COATING MACHINERY GMBH

Kira Stephan studied Textile Technology at the „Hochschule Niederrhein” University of Applied Sciences in Mönchengladbach. After a practical semester at Coatema in 2020 she did her bachelor thesis with focus on printed electronics onto textiles in 2021. After that she joined Coatema as R&D Project Manager coordinating national and European funded projects related to upscaling of roll-to-roll and roll-to-sheet processes for different subjects like sustainable packaging, battery and smart textiles. In almost three years now, she has gained a high expertise in process planning, development and practical implementation of various printing and coating methods as well as laminating.

Harmen Rooms – Manager R&D, COATEMA COATING MACHINERY GMBH

Harmen Rooms studied Applied Physics at the Fontys University in Eindhoven and received his Bachelor degree in 2003.
He worked at Philips N.V. in the field of electrooptical characterization of OLED devices and at OTB as measurement and analysis engineer. At TNO and Holst Centre he continued his work on OLEDs but also focused on modelling and optical simulations. During this time, he participated in the European Multiscale Modelling Platform (MMP) project. Harmen Rooms has co-initiated and worked on several local and European projects like CPV4All (Setting up pilot production of concentrated PV modules) and Clean4Yield (in-line measurement and yield control in Roll-to-Roll applications).
In 2018 he joined Coatema as Head of R&D Projects where he leads a team for coordination and execution of funded projects.

Leon Onorio

The role of basis weight in electrode coating

The presentation will sensitize you to the role of Basis Weight as an important process and product parameter. A uniform Basis Weight is crucial for achieving homogeneous coatings on electrodes which is essential for the electrochemical stability and reliability of batteries. Variations in Basis Weight can lead to inconsistent performance, resulting in reduced efficiency and lifespan of the battery cells. Effective quality assurance not only enhances product quality but also significantly improves production efficiency. By identifying inhomogeneities early in the coating process, resources can be saved, and costs minimized. Basis Weight inline measuring systems provide real-time monitoring of electrode coatings, allowing for immediate corrections to any deviations from quality standards. This proactive approach reduces waste and enhances throughput, ultimately leading to more affordable battery solutions that meet the increasing demand for sustainable energy technologies.

Fully automated giga fab for OPV solar cells

The renewable energy landscape is transforming with the rise of automated mass-scale facilities for next-generation Organic Photovoltaic (OPV) solar cells. OPVs utilize organic compounds to convert sunlight into electricity, marking a breakthrough in sustainable energy technology by offering lightweight, flexible, and versatile solutions.

This presentation showcases OET’s initiative to advance OPV technology from pilot production to a full-scale Giga Fab, utilizing advanced Roll-to-Roll (R2R) manufacturing and Automated Assembly technologies. OET’s fully automated facility aims to establish a high-capacity industrial line for OPV production, paving the way for wide-ranging applications in building facades, greenhouse structures, and electric vehicle (EV) surfaces. Prioritizing efficiency, scalability, and environmental responsibility, this initiative demonstrates the potential of OPVs as an eco-friendly energy alternative that seamlessly integrates into diverse environments. As global demand for sustainable energy solutions rises, the automated Giga Fab positions OPV technology at the forefront of renewable energy innovation, enabling a rapid transition from research to mass-market implementation.

Sadok Ben Dkhil

Ferdinand Bammer

2D Inline thickness measurement with a polarization camera

We present for quality control in R2R-production an inline-imaging-ellipsometer based on a polarization camera. The system, without any moving parts, can be used for full quality control of thin layers with thickness up to 500nm on foil-widths up to 2m.

Typical problems like foil-vibrations and backside-reflection are solved via a measurement directly on a roll, which yields a stable image of a line along the roll, with a length equal to the full width of the foil.

Due to the foil movement a complete 2D-view of the thickness-distribution can be obtained in-line and in-time. The system was tested with different layer materials, e.g. SiO2, P3HT, PEDOT and Al2O3, all on PET-foils.

Erik Kremers

Fully automated giga fab for OPV solar cells

Spatial Atomic Layer Deposition (Spatial ALD) is an advanced thin film deposition technique that offers several advantages over traditional ALD processes. Significantly faster processing times and higher throughput, making it suitable for large-scale manufacturing with low cost of ownership. Despite its faster deposition rates, it maintains precise control over film thickness at the atomic scale, ensuring high uniformity and quality of thin films.

Spatial ALD is highly scalable and adaptable to various substrate geometries, allowing for efficient coating of both flat and complex surfaces. These advantages make spatial ALD a promising technology for a wide range of applications.
Coatema GmbH and SALD B.V are focused on developing a roll-to-roll ALD systems for R&D and fast high volume production systems.
Our aim is to push the boundaries of Spatial ALD web speeds, with potential production rates of up to 3 meters per second!

This high-speed roll-to-roll process opens new possibilities for the fast, cost-effective deposition of thin films in industries such as photovoltaics, and flexible electronics. These innovations make spatial ALD a promising technology for a wide range of applications, offering both rapid processing and exceptional film quality.

The presentation during this symposium will show our solutions, explain the benefits, and show that processes by Spatial LD are available at high speeds.

Dr. Mariëlle Wouters

Mastering materials behaviour – Characterisation of interfaces to optimise product behaviour

Coating a substrate can be challenging as three phases are in contact that change continuously from application to final properties after curing. The substrate to be coated has certain properties that affect the interaction with the liquid coating formulation that is applied. The applied liquid coating will be converted to a solid coating and changes in properties during coating, and the interface between substrate and coating needs to develop to ensure the desired adhesive properties.

In this contribution we explain these phenomena based on small scale analyses towards an operating window that allows optimisation of formulations and making choices for certain materials or processed to obtain the most optimal product in an efficient manner.

Tim Emmerich

Non-contact measurement of sheet resistance of conductive layers on R2R applications

Continuous measurement of the quality of conductive coatings is essential for the function of products. Measuring without having to touch and stop the product offers a decisive advantage and allows the layers to be produced homogeneously and consistent quality to be documented. NAGY has been supporting machine manufacturers and coaters for over 30 years.

Michael Mohr

How to save energy through data

Kai Prahl

Coating Control – intelligent networked edge alignment for renewable energy

The coating process is one of the most important and most sensitive production processes in the fuel cell, battery- and solar industry. In this process step, the quality, and the production efficiency in the manufacture of a fuel cell or a battery are decided right at the beginning regarding the chemistry used as well as the coating quality and its geometric alignment. These challenges are very similar in both industries.

The battery industry a foil (copper or aluminum) is usually coated by a slot die (slurry). The coating process is either continuous or intermittent. Coating of the upper and lower side of the foil is done either on one side, in tandem or simultaneously and is then rewound after drying. The coating process in the Fuell Cell industry is slightly different. A carrier foil known as a "decal" is coated on a single side using a platinum catalyst or "electrode" using a slot die. Alternatively, the PEM can be directly coated on both sides. Subsequently, the web is dried within a convection oven and re-winded.

Coating control is a predictive inline process control strategy to avoid quality issues before they arise. It includes high precision web guiding systems networked with high performance vision technology to ensure an automatic alignment and the control of top to bottom layer positions.

Who we are

BST is a leading global provider of inline quality assurance systems and services for web material processing industries. We transfer our decades of experience from the printing and converting industry, to the emerging markets of the Organic & Printed Electronic, Fuel-Cell and Lithium-Ion Batterie industry.

Our mission is: less waste, higher quality, more time for production!

Digital CCM fabrication for fuel cells

Hydrogen Economy, Printed Electronics, Electromobility.

Those are HELIOSONICs focus areas in short. This year’s presentation at the Coatema Symposium will showcase our capabilities in PEM electrolyzer/fuel cell membranes, economic ways of realizing conductive paths and our vision for the application of our technology in the field.

André Wahl

Alexander Kabardiadi-Virkovski

Hyperspectral cameras for quality control

The hyperspectral camera aims to revolutionize quality control processes by developing a versatile, efficient, and cost-effective spectral imaging platform. The EU project HyperImage has this topic as target. Designed for both long-range and short-range applications, the project focuses on advancing photonic components and high-performance spectral imaging sensors, developing tunable optics, and implementing modular designs for automated material analysis.

A key aspect of HyperImage includes integrating lightweight spectral imaging modules into robotic and vehicle platforms, supported by a cloud-based image analysis system. By validating and deploying this technology across diverse industrial use cases, the project seeks to establish commercialization routes and value chains within Europe for spectral imaging systems and will help to establish this technology for quality control.

The technology’s wide-ranging industrial applications include semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, medical imaging, robotics, environmental monitoring, infrastructure surveillance, and remote sensing.

The platform offers significant benefits such as increased accuracy, improved efficiency, and enhanced product development and process control, surpassing the capabilities of existing technologies. Additionally, it ensures safety through non-destructive testing and improves healthcare outcomes with more precise diagnostics and treatment planning. With a projected market potential of up to 36 billion USD by 2026 and a CAGR exceeding 10%, HyperImage positions spectral imaging technology as a key driver for advancing quality, reducing costs, and promoting sustainability across various industries.

Johannes Schuler

Surface inspection and measurement solutions for web material used in fuel cells

Within the battery and fuel cell production quality inspection solutions are the key to ensure save and long-lasting final products. In a variety of different non-contact technologies optical measurement systems are a cost efficient and space saving alternative. For this years Symposium Keyence will present three newly released systems for inline optical measurement. We are also very glad to be a part of the live demonstration.

Andrea Glawe

Optimal design of coating and laminating machines to reduce energy consumption and CO2 footprint

The best solutions are developed in close cooperation with customers who can optimally describe the end product to be produced. The result is forward-looking machine solutions for maximum productivity, reliability, investment security and sustainability.

We strive to realize the truly best individual solutions for the application, with the aim of optimizing the resource-saving design of new customized machine concepts and efficient and reliable coating solutions in terms of reducing energy consumption, resources and CO2 footprint.

Retrofitting existing machines can also optimize and improve the energy and process-related performance of the coating system. In addition to the machine, training is also important for the optimal operation of the equipment leading to improve machine performance. The presentation will show solutions and trends for sustainable machine concepts and methods for calculating the machine footprint.

Harmen Rooms

Overview of Coatema R&D projects

Coatema Coating Machinery GmbH has been a reliable partner in funded R&D Projects since 2007. Since then, we have developed processes and machinery for a wide variety of applications, cooperating with institutes, universities and companies. In this presentation we will give an overview of projects throughout the years and how we developed processes and machinery in these projects.