National Guideline Standards for Battery Machine Operator
Following a deep analysis of hundreds of tasks associated with the production of cylindrical, pouch and prismatic batteries, the BWI identified the common skills, knowledge and abilities required for battery machine operators and battery repair technicians.
Overview of Skills Categories for Machine Operator
- Safety
- Mixing
- Electrode prep
- Winding
- Deep can welding
- Laser welding
- E-filling
- Notching
- Stacking
- Degassing and sealing
- Formation
- Basic soft skills
Overview of Skills Categories for Machine Repair Technician
- Safety
- Knowledge of the battery industry and production processes
- Reading blueprints, drawings and schematics
- Using test devices
- Setting up, operating and adjusting battery production machines to include mixing, electrode coating, slitting, winding, welding, notching, stacking, e-fill machines, degassing and final sealing machines
- Performing preventive maintenance for drying, calendaring, slitting, notching, welding and sealing machines
- Applying mechanical troubleshooting principles for machine diagnostics and repair to include production machine gauges and controllers, bearings, gearing, conveyor systems, pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems, air compressors, air dryers and pumps
- Performing welding projects and tasks
- Operating machine shop equipment
- Performing mathematical calculations for machining
- Basic soft skills
The related instruction component for battery machine repair technician covers battery industry fundamentals, safety, confined space, industrial math, blueprint reading, rigging, trouble shooting and preventive maintenance, machining, welding and advanced system repair. Training is delivered through classroom, online, and on-site instruction by colleges, industry providers or the employer.
Employers interested in apprenticeship can easily adapt the battery machine repair technician content as a four-year, 8,000-hour, time-based apprenticeship supplemented by 608 hours of related technical instruction.
For additional information, please email the BWI team at BatteryWorkforceInitiative@netl.doe.gov.
