Samsung SDI Introduces 3D CT Inspection System for Battery Production in Hungary

Samsung SDI has introduced a comprehensive inspection system that uses 3D computed tomography (CT) scanning equipment. The system is being configured online at battery factories and is no longer limited to research and development (R&D) or sampling purposes. This development is significant for electronic component distributors as it enables the integration of 3D CT technology into the production process.

According to industry sources, Samsung SDI is implementing a comprehensive inspection system that uses 3D CT at its Goed factory in Hungary. The equipment is provided by SFA, and the specific order amount has not been disclosed, but it is estimated to be worth billions of dollars. SFA has been providing 3D CT equipment to battery manufacturers since 2020, and has accumulated orders worth approximately 100 billion Korean won over the past three years.

Currently, Samsung SDI is expanding its factory in Hungary. Last year, Chairman Lee Jae-yong met with BMW Chairman Oliver Zipse to explore investing in a specialized battery factory. The main goal is to build a new factory near the Goed factory in Hungary. Within Samsung SDI, Goed Plant 2 is referred to as "Stage 1," while the new factory is referred to as "Stage 2." 3D CT is expected to be applied from Stage 1.

Last year, LG Energy Solutions also introduced 3D CT. While X-ray technology is mainly used to inspect the inside of batteries, 3D CT is capable of checking the alignment of the anode, cathode, and separator in three dimensions, which is difficult to do with two-dimensional X-ray technology. It can also check the lamination status of battery materials, whether electrode plates are bent or curled, and whether foreign matter has entered the battery.

However, 3D CT is slow and usually takes several minutes, making it difficult to use in the production process. It is primarily used for R&D or sampling purposes. Key players in the industry include Matrix and Baker Hughes.

SFA's 3D CT technology can test batteries in four seconds, and a new method has been introduced to inspect multiple battery cells to improve speed. For example, this method collects only the edges of the battery cells and inspects them using 3D CT. It checks one corner to determine if the battery material is properly aligned in the other corner. If necessary, the battery cells can be rotated and inspected in detail.

The industry expects the use of 3D CT in battery total inspection systems to expand, as it helps address concerns about battery safety, such as recent electric vehicle fires. Detecting defective batteries during the production process is expected to significantly improve production yield and productivity.