Xaar's inkjet technology moves battery coating from analogue to digital

Attending The Battery Show Europe for the first time, Xaar will show how innovative inkjet technology is moving battery coating from analogue to digital, bringing greater precision, flexibility and reliability to this fast-evolving manufacturing process.

Held at the Messe Stuttgart on 9-11th June, visitors to stand 5A40 will be able to learn more about Xaar’s battery coating expertise, see a demonstration linked to the company’s work with Inkatronic, and hear a presentation on the use of inkjet in battery coating. 

As demand grows for higher-performing batteries in electric vehicles and energy storage systems, manufacturers are under increasing pressure to improve coating quality, consistency and efficiency. Effective coatings play a critical role in helping protect batteries from heat generated during charging, while also reducing wear and tear in densely packed battery configurations. Traditional analogue methods such as PET film and spray coating can struggle to meet the needs of next-generation batteries, creating an opportunity for more precise and efficient digital alternatives.

Xaar’s specialist battery coating technology is built around its eX series of printheads, developed specifically for next-generation batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. The eX series offers solutions for both prismatic and cylindrical battery styles, helping manufacturers address the different requirements of each format.

At the heart of this capability are Xaar’s unique inkjet and printhead technologies. Ultra High Viscosity Technology supports the jetting of the latest advanced functional fluids designed to meet demanding battery coating applications. TF Technology’s recirculation allows coating in any orientation, including across sides and corners, reducing the need to reposition parts during production. High Laydown Technology ensures thick, even coatings are applied in a single pass, while SureFlow self-cleaning minimises blockages and reduces downtime. Together, these help manufacturers use inkjet to improve coating consistency, productivity and process reliability for a range of EV and other batteries.

The Battery Show will also provide an opportunity to highlight Xaar’s collaborative approach to application development. Demonstrations on stand 5A40 will connect to work with Inkatronic, a specialist in bespoke inkjet machinery and industrial R&D, and underline how close technical collaboration can help accelerate the development of new digital coating solutions.

Alongside exhibiting, Xaar is also presenting at the show, reflecting how inkjet is moving from printing to manufacturing and enabling the use of high viscosity, high-performance and functional fluids in production environments where uptime, accuracy and speed to market matter. Titled, The digitising of insulating coatings for EV-battery cells. How inkjet will revolutionise the next generation of battery insulating coating lines.and presented by Karl Forbes it will explore the use of inkjet in battery coating, focusing on how digital deposition can help manufacturers move beyond analogue processes and unlock more efficient, scalable and sustainable production.

Neil Cook, Head of Strategic Marketing at Xaar, said: “Battery manufacturers are looking for coating processes that can keep pace with the performance demands of next-generation cells and packs. For Xaar, this is where inkjet brings real value. It gives manufacturers a digital route to apply functional coatings with precision, consistency and flexibility, while also helping reduce complexity in production.

“At The Battery Show Europe, we’re looking forward to showing how our technologies and printheads are helping move battery coating from analogue to digital.”

Visitors can meet the Xaar team on stand 5A40 to discuss battery coating challenges and see how Xaar’s printheads and technologies are supporting innovation in advanced manufacturing.