Battery solutions
Accelerating the eMobilty revolution
Designed for superior wear and corrosion resistance, adhesion promotion, and optimized surface properties, our cutting-edge surface finishing technologies enhance key EV (electric vehicle) battery components. Covering every step from cleaning and pretreatment to final post-treatment, our comprehensive product portfolio enables next-generation batteries achieve higher performance, improved safety, weight reduction, and cost efficiency.
Engineered for minimal environmental impact, our technologies optimize water, energy, and material use. They include high-speed copper plating over nickel-tin, nickel-phosphorus processes, immersion tin solutions, corrosion-resistant and functional plating electrolytes, zinc flake systems, and electroless nickel processes. Additionally, our heat- and humidity-resistant anti-tarnishes ensure long-lasting performance under demanding conditions.
Battery cells: The core of lithium-ion EV battery performance
Battery cells are the heart of lithium-ion EV batteries, directly impacting energy density, performance, and battery lifetime. Advanced materials and precise engineering ensure their safety, durability, and performance under demanding conditions. Our surface finishing solutions further enhance conductivity, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability—critical factors in maximizing battery cell reliability and lifespan.
Connectors and busbars
In electric vehicles (EVs), connectors and busbars are critical for transmitting high current loads while ensuring reliable energy flow. These components are vital for battery system performance, efficiency, and safety, needing to withstand mechanical stress, corrosion, and high temperatures. Connectors use spring-loaded contacts for high-cycle durability and low contact resistance, while busbars offer robust, permanent connections for efficient power distribution.
Advanced plating solutions for high-voltage connectors and busbars
MKS’ Atotech offers advanced plating and surface treatment solutions to optimize the performance of high-voltage connectors and busbars. Our processes include pretreatment, nickel barrier layers, highly conductive silver coatings and protective coatings like (CrIII) based layers, improving conductivity, wear resistance, and corrosion protection for long-lasting reliability.
Nickel, silver and tin plating
Our Ni Sulfamate process delivers high-speed nickel deposition, creating smooth, corrosion-resistant surfaces that extend the longevity of connectors and busbars by preventing oxidation and environmental damage. Combining nickel with hard silver plating ensures excellent conductivity and wear resistance, while eco-friendly tin plating provides cost-effective corrosion protection and conductivity for busbars, offering sustainable alternatives to precious metals.
Pretreatment and anti-tarnish solutions
We provide advanced cleaning and pretreatment processes for strong adhesion and uniform plating. To protect plated surfaces, we offer anti-tarnish solutions that withstand heat, humidity, and oxidation, ensuring connectors and busbars retain their conductivity and mechanical properties throughout their lifespan.
Sustainable solutions for modules, housings, and fasteners
Corrosion protection is essential for durable aluminum and steel battery housings. Our sustainable cleaning, pretreatment, and coating solutions enhance the longevity of enclosures and module covers. Our electrolytic and zinc flake coatings for fasteners, including sealers and topcoats, meet the latest EV requirements, offering reduced bi-metallic corrosion resistance, enhanced conductivity, and improved technical cleanliness. These coatings also ensure precise friction control, essential for reliable battery assembly.
Battery TMS (Thermal Management System) components: Rising demands for surface treatment
TMS components play a critical role in maintaining optimal EV battery temperatures. Excess heat accelerates battery degradation and increases safety risks, while low temperatures reduce power delivery. Cooling trays, blades, ribbons, and heat dissipators must withstand exposure to fluids, chemicals, mechanical stress, and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Our advanced surface treatment solutions for aluminum components exceed industry requirements, providing superior corrosion resistance and optimal adhesion for subsequent coatings. With specialized surface preparation technologies—including long-life, low-temperature cleaners, descalers, and Zr- and Cr(III)-based conversion coatings—we ensure reliable protection, even in the most challenging areas.
Addressing corrosion in liquid-cooled heat sinks
In EV thermal management systems, liquid-cooled heat sinks play a key role in dissipating heat. Exposed to coolants that may contain salts or acids, these heat sinks can corrode, reducing heat dissipation efficiency and compromising the system’s structural integrity. This can lead to leaks, material degradation, and potential cooling system failure.
Our electroless nickel plating solutions
MKS’ Atotech offers advanced electroless nickel plating solutions that provide superior corrosion protection for liquid-cooled heat sinks. Our medium and high phosphorus electroless nickel processes are specifically designed to safeguard these components, ensuring reliable, long-lasting performance. These plating technologies protect complex and intricate shapes, helping maintain efficient heat dissipation and ensuring the durability of the EV battery thermal management system over time.
Our solutions offer exceptional corrosion resistance, extending the service life of components exposed to harsh coolant environments and ensuring the optimal performance of EV battery systems.
Battery and cell management
The battery management system is an integral part of the battery, demanding exceptional durability, reliability, and efficiency. The electronic package must withstand prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures and high humidity to improve its lifespan. Automotive standards for the entire IC package have grown increasingly stringent, incorporating additional heat exposure tests alongside moisture sensitivity level (MSL) assessments.
Lead frame IC packages and Printed Circuit Boards
Our innovative solutions include specialized adhesion promoters to address package delamination challenges in high-temperature, high-humidity environments. Our tailored 3D solder joint improvement processes are specifically designed to enhance QFN package reliability through wettable flanks with up to 30 years shelf life.
Leading surface-finishing solutions for BEV, HEV and PHEV batteries
MKS’ Atotech leads the way in providing innovative surface finishing solutions that drive advancements in EV battery technology. Our products improve performance, durability, and environmental responsibility, supporting the industry’s shift towards more efficient and sustainable battery systems.