Different housings are used to protect electronic components, such as battery systems or power electronics, from external environmental influences and to attach the components to the interior in order to ensure that they function properly during vehicle operation. The requirements for the housing depend on the electronic system and drive concept. Different materials and manufacturing processes are currently used.
FEATURES
Unstable, thin-walled components (susceptible to vibration)
Construction as a cast tub or as a frame construction made of hollow profiles
Partly low-silicon aluminium
Large area (2 x 3 m)
Mainly drilling and milling operations and threading
Accuracy and surface requirements for cable bushing and cooling connections
Due to the increasing size of the battery, modular concepts for different performance classes and ranges are used. For this reason, extruded aluminium profiles are welded to form a housing.
MACHINING REQUIREMENTS
Thin material with several layers
Drilling: Vibrations and burr formation. Ring formation on the tool → Helix milling/orbital drilling prevents burrs and rings
Milling: Thin material tends to vibrate → Fewer vibrations through optimised cutting edge geometry
Die-cast aluminium housings are mostly used to accommodate power electronics or smaller battery systems for hybrid vehicles. The complex housing structures are designed with integrated cooling channels.
MACHINING REQUIREMENTS
Milling of sealing surfaces (in some cases specific surface requirements)
Milling of mounting surfaces for electronics and battery cells with long tool overhang