If you want to mass produce the next generation of solid-state batteries, you need a factory and technology that are proven. Blackstone Technology provides both. In summer 2021, we started production of 3D-printed lithium-based liquid electrolyte batteries at our plant in Döbeln, Saxony. These batteries have the potential to revolutionize the electric vehicle industry and provide mass storage of renewable energy in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner.
Our battery factory thus already has the innovative production technology of tomorrow. We will also produce the next generation of batteries in Döbeln using 3D printing: Solid-state sodium batteries. This new type of battery will set new standards with improved safety, greater energy density and many times longer charging cycles. Blackstone Technology’s goal is to manufacture the next generation of batteries as scalably and efficiently as possible and offer them worldwide.
We close the loop in the battery manufacturing ecosystem. Sustainable, clean and efficient. We produce advanced high-tech battery cells in a 3D screen printing process we developed ourselves. In the process, we process battery metals that we will extract in our own value chain in the future.
Blackstone develops innovative, future-oriented battery technologies and, together with its partners, places an important focus on the recycling of batteries and materials. We see the reuse of rare earths and minerals as a key technology for the success of the energy transition.
With Blackstone Thick Layer Technology © up to.
More energy density
less waste
Less manufacturing costs
less investment costs
3D printing of next generation batteries
Since the beginning of 2019, Blackstone has invested heavily in researching and developing next-generation battery technology. In the process, we have filed patents for 3D printing techniques to produce battery cells in a variety of different form factors. We have also developed a new type of mass production of solid-state batteries.
We have already used this technology to achieve higher energy density and a higher number of charge cycles with current lithium-ion battery technology. In the process, we were also able to sustainably reduce the amount of resources and energy used in production.
Innovative batteries via 3D screen printing process
The 3D printing process we have developed can significantly reduce the cost of battery production. It also offers greater production flexibility and can increase energy density by 20% compared to current battery technologies.
In addition, we can reduce material usage by up to 10%. These performances are independent of the battery electrode chemistry used.
We are thus able to produce batteries in many different shapes and formats. Production by 3D printing also allows us to optimally adapt batteries to available installation spaces. From electric buses to cordless screwdrivers. With current methods, this degree of flexibility cannot be achieved so far, or only with great effort.
Solid-state batteries: The next quantum leap
We have successfully printed and tested our first working solid-state battery cells. After completing an extensive research and evaluation process, we are now realizing a new and flexible method for the efficient production of solid-state lithium-ion batteries. The proven 3D screen printing technology developed by Blackstone is used.
This technology has allowed us to develop mechanically stable batteries. Our production process also includes the manufacture of printable composite cathodes and the composite for the solid state electrolyte.
In addition, the 3D printing process used by Blackstone can significantly reduce production costs and increase the energy density of batteries. Furthermore, the number of possible charging cycles increases considerably. We are now developing the manufacturing technology for the market launch of these new types of solid-state batteries.
The capacity target of our production facility is the manufacture of one battery cell per second.
Blackstone Thick Layer Technology©
- Doubling the film thickness increases the theoretical energy density by ~ 25% (LFP).
- The percentage gain in energy density also depends on the active material
- Cells with active materials of low total energy density (LFP) benefit more from thicker layers in percentage terms.
- Thick layers can only be processed in 3D printing
The production process is ready for use
Our factory in Döbeln, Saxony, was officially opened and started production in November 2021.
We equipped our first battery factory there with state-of-the-art equipment. This includes 3D printing technology developed by Blackstone itself. We can automate a large part of the production process and make it particularly efficient by using robotics and artificial intelligence. We designed our plants virtually in advance to test production runs and to perform extensive feasibility studies.
Our factory equipment can be replicated. This enables the production of our sustainable and innovative battery technologies at any location. Our high-tech batteries can thus be made available at any time in the immediate vicinity of industrial customers and end users. Any scaling of production margins is thus also possible without further ado. In addition, our equipment is also suitable for 3D printing of solid-state batteries. Because the production process is transferable. So Blackstone Technology can begin manufacturing the next generation of batteries seamlessly.
