The role of ultrasonics in the manufacturing of electric vehicles

What began as a trickle of water with Tesla is now a raging waterfall with automobile companies globally rapidly adapting to the transition to electric vehicles. Globally and in India, every government is pushing to make electric vehicles mainstream. Every day new steps are taken to build a cleaner world.

While the usage of ultrasonics is well established in the manufacturing of traditional vehicles (click here to learn more about this), does it really have an equally important role in the burgeoning EV industry? Let us explore this thought.

Ultrasonic cleaning thoroughly and safely cleans automobile parts without damaging the underlying surfaces. Additionally, it reduces operating costs, generates cleaner parts than conventional techniques, and decreases workplace accidents. (Click here to learn more about how ultrasonic cleaning works)

Ultrasonics For Components In EV

• Traction Batteries
  In electric cars, lithium-ion batteries are typically employed. With the growth of the EV industry, we will also have to face the waste management and recycling concern of these batteries. Batteries are a significant cost driver for EVs, and their disposal is also costly. The recycling of lithium batteries can benefit from ultrasonics. Ultrasonics can help separate the cathode from the foil substrate. This is due to the effect of ultrasonic cavitation loosening the robust bonding. These do not agglomerate significantly after separation. The ability of high-power ultrasound to treat chemical liquids and slurries to increase mass transfer and activate chemical reactions is well established. Sonication procedures may be adjusted by varying each parameter, making them very effective and extremely energy-efficient.

• Printed Circuit Boards (PCB)
  Thorough cleaning of PCBs has always been critical to the completed product's dependability. Previously, flux residue from the soldering process was removed by rubbing the cleaning solution with a brush. Today, however, the use of ultrasonic cleaning has made it far more convenient.  PCB Ultrasonic Cleaning is an effective cleaning procedure that reduces the need for manual and mechanical scrubbing to remove oxides from printed circuit boards.

• Non-Engine Components
  There is very little difference between EVs and traditional automobiles outside of the powertrain. Ultrasonic cleaning is still an effective solution for bearings cleaning, air conditioning parts cleaning, valve body cleaning, brakes cleaning, steering assembly cleaning etc.

Ralsonics has already begun working to serve the EV sector as a part of our product development activities.Ralsonics’ immersible ultrasonics are already used in manufacturing parts for Tesla as a part of large surface treatment lines. Ultrasonic cleaning reduces cleaning times, improves the operation of installed parts, and boosts an EV's overall performance. The cleaning process itself takes lesser time than conventional cleaning methods since hand scrubbing and soaking are eliminated. Furthermore, reduced chemical usage reduces operational costs while enhancing worker safety.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help you with problems you face in the EV sector. We offer free consulting on any industrial cleaning issues you may face.