Marker‐Free Traceability in Battery Production from Continuous Electrode Foils to Cell‐Specific Individual Electrode Segments

This article presents advancements in the Track & Trace Fingerprint technology applied to lithium‐ion battery production, focusing on its innovative approach to material identification using unique surface microstructures. Traditional traceability methods often compromise material integrity through physical markers or fail when continuous material (e.g., electrode or other web material) is interrupted. This technology eliminates these issues by leveraging marker‐free identification, enabling reliable tracking of continuous and segmented electrode materials without altering their properties. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the technology across various materials, including aluminum, copper, graphite, lithium‐iron‐phosphate, and nickel‐manganese‐cobalt coatings, with high identification rates and robust traceability. Additionally, software enhancements have improved predictive algorithms for estimating fingerprint locations, increasing processing speed and efficiency. Future developments will focus on graphics processing unit acceleration and optimized local database management to increase the current supported feed rate from 25 m min<jats:sup>−1</jats:sup> to 60 m min<jats:sup>−1</jats:sup> or more to broaden applicability. The technology's versatility extends beyond battery production, with potential applications in other continuous manufacturing processes, such as paper and steel production.