Münster. Fraunhofer FFB will exhibit its expertise covering the entire battery cell manufacturing supply chain the exhibition stand 7-B07 in Hall 7. This includes prototype construction, scaling of product and production technologies, support during production ramp-up, the use of artificial intelligence, and fault cause analysis in ongoing production systems. The offering is aimed at companies that want to test, trial, and further practically develop new technologies and bring them to market efficiently.

Plant model illustrates flexible production solutions

A special exhibit at the trade fair stand is a model of a coating plant, which exemplifies the technical equipment of the "FFB PreFab." The model also shows what cooperation with Fraunhofer FFB looks like and what added value it creates for companies. Fraunhofer FFB provides practical support for development processes, from strategic orientation and project planning to the technical integration of production equipment into an existing manufacturing infrastructure. This allows companies to test new manufacturing solutions or sensor technology under realistic conditions, which reduces development risk and speeds up the development process as a whole.

Virtual insights into the FFB PreFab research factory

In addition to the real-life setup, visitors to the booth will be able to gain insights into the digital replica of the "FFB PreFab" with the help of a 3D model. Virtual building modeling brings the "FFB PreFab" to life as an open battery cell factory for research and development. Using a 3D model, Fraunhofer FFB enables visitors to experience the individual production steps up close and understand how sustainable value chains for battery cell production can be created.

Integrated production with uniform standards

A key challenge in battery cell production is the integration of a wide variety of machines and systems that often use incompatible data formats and communication protocols. Another focus at the booth is therefore the digital networking and automation of production facilities. Fraunhofer FFB will demonstrate how this complexity can be reduced through the use of OPC UA. Using intelligent data mapping and standardized information models (OPC UA Companion Specifications), the ENLARGE research project is creating a common information base that enables end-to-end communication along the entire production chain. On this basis, a comprehensive “meta standard” is being developed that minimizes the effort required for data translation and supports easy entry into networked battery cell production. This will open up access to networked battery cell production, particularly for machine and plant engineering.

Further training along the supply chain

With the rapid growth of European battery cell production, the demand for qualified personnel is also growing. Fraunhofer FFB is responding to this demand with a practice-oriented further training program. The European Learning Lab Battery Cells (ELLB) has developed fourteen coordinated modules that cover all key topics along the battery value chain. Whether as a face-to-face event in Münster or as an interactive online seminar, the program is tailored to the specific challenges facing the industry. Interested parties can obtain detailed information about the content and formats of the program at the booth.

Preview: Battery Production Days 2025

Visitors to the trade fair stand will also be able to find out about the upcoming “Battery Production Days,” the successor to the successful Electric Mobility Production Days. These will take place in Münster from October 21 to 22 and will focus on the topics of “innovations in the manufacturing process,” “scaled battery cell production,” and “quality assurance and modern factory planning.”

Trade fair highlights at a glance:

• Model of a coating system:
  The exhibit exemplifies the technical equipment of “FFB PreFab” and illustrates the practical cooperation with Fraunhofer FFB, in which companies are supported from strategic planning to project implementation and technical integration and can test new manufacturing solutions under realistic conditions to minimize development risks and accelerate innovation processes:
• Virtual representation of “FFB PreFab”: 
  3D visualization provides a realistic insight into “FFB PreFab
• Experience digital networking live:
  Application of OPC UA and the FFB parameter portal for standardizing and simplifying machine communication.
• Practical training program:
  Presentation of the modular ELLB training program for specialists along the entire battery value chain.
• Battery Production Days 2025:
  Exclusive information and presentation of the trade conference, which will take place in Münster from October 21 to 22, 2025.