In the context of the global boom in electric vehicles (EVs), innovation in battery technology has become a key force driving the progress of the industry. ULVAC Corporation (headquartered in Chigasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture) has launched EWK-030, a roll-to-roll deposition system designed specifically for lithium coating applications, which is scheduled to be officially available in May 2025.
Technical highlights: Efficient lithium deposition in a vacuum
The EWK-030 Roll-to-Roll Lithium Deposition System is the culmination of years of research and development in the field of thin film deposition technology by ULVAC. Originally used in packaging and capacitor film manufacturing, this technology has now been successfully extended to the field of lithium deposition. In a vacuum, the system is able to deposit lithium films onto metal foils. In contrast to the conventional method of producing lithium foil under atmospheric conditions by roller pressing technology, the EWK-030 processes the formed thin film lithium under vacuum conditions to minimize impurities and oxidation. This results in a better surface quality of the lithium film produced by it, which provides a higher quality material basis for subsequent battery manufacturing.
From a resource utilization perspective, the EWK-030 optimizes the efficiency of the use of lithium materials. It makes better use of lithium than standard deposition equipment, which not only reduces production costs, but also offers significant environmental benefits. At a time when resources are increasingly scarce and environmental protection requirements are becoming more stringent, the technical characteristics of this efficient use of resources are particularly important.
Market-driven: The urgent need for next-generation batteries
With the rapid expansion of the global electric vehicle market, the demand for high-performance, long-range, safe and reliable batteries has grown dramatically. The research and development of next-generation batteries has become the focus of the industry, among which new battery technologies such as solid-state batteries have attracted much attention. ULVAC's EWK-030 is designed to meet this market backdrop. In 2022, ULVAC was selected for the Green Innovation Fund Project of the New Energy Industry Technology Development Organization (NEDO) - Development of Next-Generation Storage Batteries and Motors (JPNP21026) to be responsible for the research and development of lithium metal anode production technology, and EWK-030 is one of the important results of the project.
Figure: ULVAC develops roll-to-roll lithium deposition system (Source: ULVAC)
From the perspective of market application, EWK-030 is expected to be widely used in the development and production of next-generation batteries around the world. Whether in electric vehicle battery manufacturers or energy storage systems and other related fields, high-quality lithium deposition technology is a key factor in improving battery performance. For example, in electric vehicles, better performing batteries can extend vehicle range, increase charging speed, and increase consumer acceptance of electric vehicles. In the field of energy storage, high-efficiency batteries can better store and release electricity, providing a stable supply of renewable energy.
Technology and market synergy: open a new chapter in battery technology
ULVAC's EWK-030 roll-to-roll lithium deposition system combines advanced technology with a huge market demand. Technological innovation has laid a solid foundation for it in the market competition, and the unique vacuum deposition process and efficient material utilization efficiency make it stand out from similar products. The huge market demand provides a broad space for the commercialization of this technology, and there is a strong desire for high-quality lithium deposition technology in many fields, from electric vehicles to energy storage systems.
With the official launch of EWK-030 in 2025, it is expected to have a positive impact on the development of next-generation battery technology. With this technological achievement, ULVAC will continue to deepen its "potential areas" in the future, continue to contribute to the evolution of battery technology and the expansion of related applications, and help the entire industry develop in a more efficient and environmentally friendly direction.
