Xaar Expands Presence in EV Battery Coatings Through Partnership with Sokan New Materials Group

Xaar’s advanced inkjet technology is playing a key role in supporting the production of next-generation battery coating fluids by Chinese manufacturer Sokan New Materials Group. This partnership marks another significant step for Xaar in the rapidly expanding EV battery sector and highlights the growing shift away from traditional film coating methods.

As the first company to develop inkjet printheads specifically for battery coating applications, Xaar is enabling the precise jetting of advanced fluids that improve safety, efficiency, and scalability in EV battery manufacturing. Its Xaar eX and Nitrox eX printheads are central to this innovation.

With the electric vehicle market expanding quickly and battery systems facing higher voltage demands and stricter thermal requirements, conventional PET film coatings are increasingly falling short. In contrast, Sokan’s high-viscosity, UV inkjet-printed coatings offer enhanced dielectric strength, durability, and uniform layer application—critical qualities for ensuring the performance and safety of modern EV batteries.

Xaar’s Ultra High Viscosity Technology plays a pivotal role in supporting the testing, development, and jetting of advanced high-viscosity coatings. Its printheads are capable of jetting fluids with viscosities up to 1000 centipoise (cP) at ambient temperature (approximately 100 cP at jetting temperature), greatly expanding the range of printable functional materials.

This capability is further enhanced by Xaar’s TF Technology, which provides continuous ink recirculation, and Sure Flow, a built-in self-cleaning system. Together, these technologies ensure consistent performance, reduced maintenance, and reliable scalability for industrial applications. They offer the reliability and flexibility needed for Sokan to develop and apply its specialised, high-performance coatings at a commercial scale.

Xaar and Sokan Group first partnered in 2021 to advance inkjet solutions for EV battery manufacturing. This collaboration led to the launch of the industry’s first mass-production inkjet printing line for cylindrical EV batteries, which has received positive feedback from customers, underscoring its effectiveness and potential for widespread use.

Founded in March 2009 and listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in 2020, Sokan New Materials Group specialises in the production of chemical products and delivers a broad portfolio of innovative functional coating materials. Its solutions serve various industries, including consumer electronics, industrial automation, and manufacturing. Sokan’s coatings are widely used in 3C markets—such as mobile phones, laptops, wearable devices, and smart home appliances—as well as in the passenger vehicle segment, securing the company a strong position in the chemical materials market.

Brian Ling, Chairman and CEO of Sokan commented on the collaboration: “After four years of dedicated efforts, we possess deep technical expertise and feel that the market is poised for explosive growth."

“Xaar’s inkjet technology offers the reliability and performance essential for jetting our high-viscosity battery coating fluids. This partnership enables us to bring a new generation of coatings to market more efficiently than ever.”

Sokan has invested over ¥50 million (£5 million) in developing a comprehensive solution encompassing materials, processes, and equipment R&D. At present, over ten customers are actively involved in the production and sampling stages of this technology, and we anticipate a significant increase in its widespread adoption by 2025.

As Chinese technology spearheads the global advancement of next-generation energy batteries and inkjet printing becomes the emerging standard for coating applications, the partnership between Xaar and Sokan highlights the ongoing transformation within the battery manufacturing industry.

Chris Ellis, Xaar Group Sales and Marketing Director, added: “Our partnership with Sokan underscores Xaar’s commitment to driving innovation in the EV sector by tackling key challenges in battery coatings.

“As more companies look for flexible, scalable alternatives to traditional processes, we look forward to continuing our work with industry leaders like Sokan as inkjet cements its role in the future of battery manufacturing."

Source: XAAR