Process optimisation in manufacturing

Increasing efficiency, driving innovation: We combine mechanical engineering expertise with interdisciplinary research. We optimise production processes, develop intelligent sensors and design the battery production of the future, among other things. From simulations to prototype development - we offer practical solutions for various industries.

Our research group

Increasing efficiency, driving innovation: We combine mechanical engineering expertise with interdisciplinary research. We optimise production processes, develop intelligent sensors and design the battery production of the future, among other things. From simulations to prototype development - we offer practical solutions for various industries.

Expertise

We have specialised in the following areas:

The combination of machine learning and our expertise enables us to develop ‘intelligent sensors’.

Various sensors have already been developed in research projects with the following objectives

  • Replacing expensive hardware with simpler measuring systems
  • Optimising the maintenance intervals of systems through continuous, intelligent monitoring

The production and analysis of batteries has been a strategic focus for us since 2016. We have set up a pilot line for the automated production of pouch cells. In this system, anodes and cathodes are cut from rolls into the desired format using a laser and then stacked with separator layers. We also have a glovebox system in which we can assemble the prefabricated battery stacks into functional batteries, fill them with electrolyte and produce complete batteries from roll material in a protective atmosphere. We can then extensively test and characterise these batteries, and we also have projects for processing and preparing such test data sets. 
In this area, we are repeatedly involved in EU projects.

Range of services

Do you need support with the analysis or optimisation of your machines or processes? Various types of partnership are available depending on the scope of your project:

  • Subsidised projects
  • Direct assignments
  • Projects with students

We also loan out our measuring and testing equipment.

Infrastructure

We have a wide range of measuring equipment for oscillation measurements to conduct analysis of movement, vibration and noise.

Laser vibrometer

The laser vibrometer enables contactless measurements that are easy to carry out to be taken for the quantification of mechanical vibrations. Depending on the application, either the speed or path is measured from the nanometre to the metre range. The oscillation frequency and amplitude can be derived from this with a high degree of accuracy.

Electrodynamic fatigue testing machine (shaker)

Our shaker is capable of inducing vibrations in structures with a weight of up to 300 kg in the 3–3500 Hz frequency range. This means it can cover everything from standardised vibration profiles to noise and shocks, as well as generating accelerations of up to 100g. This makes the fatigue testing machine an extremely flexible system for verifying a simulation or analysing the vibration behaviour of materials.

High-performance

High-performance servers for calculating neuronal networks and for the simulation of models using various techniques, such as Discrete Event Simulation (DES), Finite Element Method (FEM), or Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).

Pilot plant for the production of lithium-ion batteries

The pilot plant is made available to research and industry as a basis for experiments, whether for the construction of test cells or to test innovative manufacturing processes. The system is also designed to offer maximum flexibility in terms of the choice of materials, the inclusion and switching-out of individual components and the range of potential battery cell sizes – from credit-card format up to 150x300mm.

The system consists of several modules and devices so that the entire value chain of battery cell production is covered:

  • Mixer and coater for the production of battery electrodes
  • Automated laser cutting and stacking of lithium-ion batteries
  • Glovebox filled with argon and equipped with devices for manual battery production
  • Climatic chambers, battery tester and potentiostat/galvanostat for the final inspection of the manufactured batteries

Pilot plant for the production of lithium-ion batteries

Swiss Competence Center for Heat and Electricity Storage SCCER HaE 

The research group is part of the activities of SCCER HaE, which receives financial support from Innosuisse – the Swiss Innovation Agency.

Energy Storage Research Centre

The research group is part of the Energy Storage Research Centre, which researches power storage solutions for mobility and the energy supply with the aim of integrating renewable energies and replacing fossil fuels.

Collaboration with other institutes at the Engineering and Information Technology Department at Bern University of Applied Sciences.

We work with the Institute for Optimisation and Data Analysis (IODA) on the statistical evaluation of production data. We cooperate with the Institute for Applied Laser, Photonics and Surface Technologies (ALPS) on tasks that require specific laser technology expertise and with the Institute for Cybersecurity and Engineering (ICE) on IT security matters.

Sponsors

Keyence
We wish to thank the company Keyence International for their kind support.

Contact

Contact us or meet our experts in person at various events. Collaboration produces win-win outcomes for everyone concerned – your company, society and the university.