WEINHEIM, Germany—Freudenberg Sealing Technologies is 3D-printing safety components for EV batteries.
The customized parts specifically reduce the risk of thermal runaway, a very real safety hazard in electric vehicles caused by overcharging or damage, by increasing resistance to propagation.
The new 3D thermal barriers, released Aug. 22, can be used at different spots within the battery compartment and have proven reliable in initial series productions.
"What is completely new is that the thermal barriers are now available in customized, flexible 3D geometries, which makes it possible to use them in various positions within the battery and allows for integration of additional components," said Andrew Espinoza, global vice president of technology for the oil seals powertrain and driveline division at Freudenberg Sealing.