Cominco battery vies for national research award

A major percentage of auto batteries in North America may soon be produced using advanced manufacturing technology developed by a subsidiary of Cominco Ltd.

The unique process was developed by Cominco Metal’s Product Research Centre at Sheridan Park near Toronto. The company says 13 major equipment installations are contracted in the U.S. to use the technology over the next 18 months.

The process is one of five innovative technologies being considered for the 1986 Canada Awards for Excellence, a competition sponsored by the federal government. It’s the second year in a row Cominco has been a finalist in the innovation category and the only company to have achieved that distinction. Last year the division’s electronic materials group won the gold medal for its work on gallium arsenide.

“This recognition is the culmination of more than 10 years of research and development combined with successful marketing,” says Gerry Lewis, manager of the product research. “We’ve developed a battery grid that’s thinner and has higher tolerances, improved corrosion resistance and higher electrical efficiency.”

Al Vincze, Cominco’s supervisor of commercial development, says the technology strengthens the position of lead in the making of car batteries, the metal’s major application.

“The lead battery is under increasing pressure from car makers for improved performance. Our research and develoment is aimed at developing the process and product improvements that give a better automobile battery.”