Giatec has localised a key component for battery electrode manufacturing processes. Giatec, a battery parts specialist, said on Tuesday it has localised a “VCM actuator” used in secondary battery electrode processes. The VCM actuator is a component made up of a permanent magnet and a coil, and performs linear actuation using Lorentz force. In secondary battery electrode processes, it controls slurry discharge at the nanometre level to improve the uniformity of active material coating. This increases battery capacity and improves lifespan and safety.

With the development, Giatec shortened delivery lead times to under 2 months from 12 months for imported products and cut costs by about 10 percent. By adopting a direct-drive method without mechanical friction, it resolved control-speed delays and maintenance issues associated with existing pneumatic and hydraulic methods. The company explained that its internal performance evaluation recorded a response speed that reaches a 3 mm stroke within 4.3 milliseconds with rated thrust of 88 newtons.

Demand for precision actuators for secondary battery coating equipment is also expected to rise as demand increases for electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). Giatec plans to install the VCM in equipment at major clients in March and complete field tests in a mass-production environment. It then plans to launch an integrated drive solution that bundles a valve, controller and electrical system into a single package.

Giatec Chairman In-young Lee (이인영) said, “The VCM actuator is like a brain and muscles that determine a robot’s fine movements in intelligent manufacturing processes.” He added, “I feel great pride that we have developed with our own hands a core technology that has so far relied on imported products, in a global market expected to grow to more than $500 million by 2033.”

“Based on the nanometre-level control technology we have secured, Giatec will build a global technology moat by pre-empting high value-added markets including secondary battery electrode processes, as well as separator coating, semiconductor lithography and logistics robots,” he added.