Opportunity Source
Combination of self-generated outreach and direct customer inquiry
In April 2024, a battery technology manufacturer contacted Stockwell with a new application requiring a specialized pressure pad used in automated solid-state battery production. Stockwell’s Applications Engineering team immediately engaged, supporting development and testing over several months to evaluate material performance and manufacturability.
In mid-2025, the customer returned with a new request for parts using the previously developed solution. As demand accelerated, Stockwell’s Sales and Applications teams collaborated closely to refine the design and scale production quickly.
Application
The part is used in automated equipment to apply pressure to battery stack-ups during manufacturing. The pad is a consumable component within the process and must deliver consistent performance under high-volume production conditions.
Technical Solution
Stockwell developed a unique bonded stack-up combining:
- HT-800 silicone foam
- Customer-supplied foam
- UHMW film layer
While the customer had experience using their own foam at scale, HT-800 offered key performance advantages. Through iterative sampling and testing, Stockwell helped arrive at a hybrid bonded construction that delivered improved results.
This multi-layer assembly relies on Stockwell’s proprietary bonding processes, creating a solution that is difficult to source elsewhere and tailored specifically to the application.
Stockwell Advantage
Engineering Support & Rapid Response
- Hands-on Applications Engineering involvement from concept through production
- Generous sampling to accelerate learning and validation
- Rapid Response manufacturing on initial production orders to meet urgent demand
Material Availability
- Stockwell’s aggressive inventory position on HT-800 enabled an immediate transition from development to production without delays.
Collaborative Problem Solving
- Close partnership with the customer led to a novel material combination that addressed performance challenges and supported automation goals.
- The customer ultimately selected Stockwell as their preferred supplier based on technical capability, responsiveness, and manufacturing expertise.
Results
- Successful development of a custom, bonded pressure pad for advanced battery manufacturing
- Fast ramp from prototype to production
- Establishment of a long-term production solution supported by Stockwell’s proprietary processes and engineering-driven approach
