Printing techniques for batteries

All printing and patterning technologies were developed long ago, when printing of batteries was not even thought of. Therefore, optimization processes targeted goals other than technical application of functional layers. Nevertheless, developments to date are a reasonable basis for adopting printing technologies for the deposition of material layers that can, for example, be employed in the manufacture of batteries. The printing process involves the application of a specific ink onto a chosen substrate to form a predefined patterned layer of a certain layer thickness. Numerous printing techniques have been established. Some, such as screen printing or coating technologies, are ideal for the deposition of homogenous functional layers of defined layer thickness in large areas. When dealing with small and sophisticated batteries, digital printing technologies such as dispensing or inkjet printing are appropriate technologies that may limit the particle sizes contained in the processed inks.