Developer of 3D printed solid-state battery and multi-material 3D printing technology Sakuu entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Japan’s NGK Spark Plugs CO., LTD. (“NGK”), specialized in electrochemical materials and a tier-one industrial automotive supplier.
Both companies agreed with the fact that NGK will co-develop and provide ceramic materials for Sakuu’s solid-state battery production, ranging from ongoing battery material needs at its California pilot line facility, to at-scale commercialization for its additive manufactured solid-state battery line—anticipated to go to market in 2023.
“Formalizing this long-term partnership agreement with NGK for ceramic needs across our printed battery line is an important step in Sakuu’s commercialization plans,” said Arwed Niestroj, SVP Customer Enablement. “NGK is a global industry leader, and its material quality and technical expertise will allow Sakuu to rapidly advance towards bringing to market our next-generation battery line.”
As a reminder, Sakuu develops a multi-material 3D printing technology that enables printing of glass, metals, polymer, and ceramic in a single layer, along with proprietary cell chemistry. As discussed with Robert Bagheri, CEO of the company, this technology meets the requirements to produce a solid electrolyte using ceramics or other complex devices using metals. It uses a combination of powder bed and jetted material deposition, the platform prints the device in a single layer without the need to assemble externally. The 100% recyclable technology can scale up the production of next-generation solid-state batteries—widely considered one of the biggest challenges faced by developers of solid-state batteries.
Sakuu will 3D-print solid-state batteries that are safe, ultra-high energy density, and up to 50% smaller, 30% lighter, and less expensive to produce in high volume than currently available lithium-ion batteries. Further differentiated from other solid-state battery developers, its batteries can be printed in custom shapes and sizes due to the capabilities of its additive manufacturing platform—a new paradigm in the battery industry that can transform industrial product design and energy use across industries, a press release reads.
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