Sponsored by CS Hyde.
(Image: 3M.)
Selecting materials for electric vehicle (EV) battery applications comes with unique challenges. Every choice can mean the difference between efficiency and waste — or safety and failure. Engineers face a delicate balancing act of choosing materials that can withstand high temperatures, resist flames and avoid adding unnecessary weight, while taking essential characteristics such as dielectric strength, low outgassing and hydrophobicity into account. Thermal and electrical insulative materials are needed in certain areas, whereas conductive materials are used elsewhere for heat dissipation from battery cells to a cooling plate.
Material providers must not only understand original equipment manufacturer (OEM) design requirements for different EV applications, but also customize solutions for each specific application. High-performance materials supplier CS Hyde supports these specialized needs through its portfolio of thin bonding adhesives, insulation films, silicone foam products and other components. Uses for their high-temperature plastics, tapes and silicone rubber range from insulation barriers to compression pads in battery casings. CS Hyde’s converting capabilities — which include adhesive lamination, custom-width roll slitting, automated sheeting, tight-tolerance die cutting and dieless knife cutting — allow them to tailor materials to precise specifications. CS Hyde also offers consignment lamination services for customers requiring specific adhesives to be applied to their supplied products.
To complement their solutions, CS Hyde collaborates closely with suppliers like 3M, whose adhesive transfer and double-sided tapes are used in several applications within EV batteries. These tapes can attach functional materials with immediate handling strength, eliminating the need for curing or fixturing. They are most commonly used as assembly aids to hold parts together while other products cure. They are also employed as part of customized stacks of electrical and thermal insulation, and as cushioning materials within the battery. Some of these customized materials feature multiple layers of 3M adhesives that are put together by converting partners like CS Hyde.
3M also offers an extensive range of pressure sensitive tapes that are compatible with EV battery assembly. Firmer tapes serve to resist lifting or cleavage, while softer tapes are utilized in foam or textured material bonding. With OEMs increasingly opting for lower surface energy materials that are difficult to bond, 3M’s pressure sensitive tapes provide a reliable and durable solution.
Materials used in EVs are commonly sourced from a variety of suppliers and tiers which can be difficult to navigate reliably. Beyond high material quality, CS Hyde supports EV battery applications by offering flexibility in material sourcing. By supplying sample-sized quantities — such as films by the linear foot, fabrics by the yard, and 12”x12” sheets of silicone rubber — CS Hyde enables engineers to prototype designs without the burden of high minimum orders. This level of accessibility streamlines the research and development phase by allowing for quicker iterations before scaling up, helping OEMs bring EV components to market more efficiently.
As the EV sector continues to expand, companies like CS Hyde and 3M are simplifying the sourcing and customization of high-performance materials for battery design and assembly. This support empowers engineers to address the evolving demands and complexities of electric vehicle development.
To learn more, visit CS Hyde.
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