Ilika installs US solid state battery line at Cirtec
UK solid state battery maker Ilika has completed installation of a production line in the US for its Stereax micro-battery for medical applications.
Process qualification of the line at Cirtec Medical in Massachusetts has now started having passed the User Acceptance Tests (UATs). The production tools include layer deposition machines as well as alignment and patterning machines.
This final stage in the commissioning of the Stereax manufacturing facilities means that both Cirtec and Ilika are now satisfied that the equipment meets its requirement for the start of production transfer.
To support equipment commissioning, since June 2024, Ilika has delivered a series of batches of cathode-coated wafers to Cirtec, for further processing and verification of subsequent process steps. Process qualification has the aim of refining and tuning the process equipment to achieve specified product performance in preparation for the start of product manufacturing. Ilika currently retains and will operate part of the production equipment in the UK, including that for cathode deposition and cell formation and testing.
In August 2023 the two signed a ten year manufacturing licence to produce the Stereax range of mm-scale solid state battery at Cirtec’s facility in Lowell. This boosts Cirtec’s ongoing activities in system level miniaturisation for the medical device industry, while Ilika will focus on advanced technology development and IP licensing in support of Cirtec’s manufacturing and commercialisation activities.
“We are delighted that Stereax is now one step closer towards starting production and enabling its deployment into miniature active medical devices. We thank Cirtec and Ilika colleagues for their effort into completing the transfer of Stereax production equipment to the Lowell facilities,” said Graeme Purdy, CEO of Ilika
“This marks a pivotal achievement in the collaboration between Ilika and Cirtec,” said Brian Highley, CEO of Cirtec Medical. “The Stereax battery integrates high-energy density with reliable durability and long battery life, offering enhanced efficiency and miniaturisation for a variety of medical applications.”
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