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Advanced Manufacturing of Energica Motorcycle Battery Housing

CRP Meccanica manufactured Energica's motorcycle battery housing using a cutting-edge, multi-phase approach combining 3D printing, CNC machining, and casting, optimizing thermal management, safety, and reliability.

Home » Advanced Manufacturing of Energica Motorcycle Battery Housing
AUTOMOTIVE CASE STUDY
In Short
Process

3D printing (Selective Laser Sintering); Precision CNC Machining; Aluminum Rapid Casting and CNC machining; Sand Casting

Material

Windform LX 2.0 (functional prototype), aluminum alloy (production)

Application

Battery housing for high-performance electric motorcycles

Challenge

Manufacturing a robust and precise aluminum battery housing that ensures effective cooling, electromagnetic shielding, and crash protection, while achieving tight tolerances throughout all production phases

Gallery
Energica motorcycle. Credit: Damiano Fiorentini
Energica motorcycle. Credit: Damiano Fiorentini

ENGINEERING THE CORE OF PERFORMANCE

Battery Housing Built for Speed, Safety, and Series Production

CRP Meccanica and CRP Technology teamed up with Energica Motor Company to develop the battery housing system at the heart of their electric motorcycles. This isn’t just a casing – it’s a multi-functional sealed enclosure designed to contain and protect high-voltage battery cells and the Battery Management System (BMS).

The unit had to perform under acceleration and fast charging, while remaining electrically safe, thermally stable, mechanically strong, and ready for EMC testing. It also had to be brought into series production on a tight schedule.

THE TECHNICAL HEART OF THE PROJECT

Phase 1. Functional Prototype via Additive Manufacturing

The development began with a full-scale prototype produced by Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) using Windform LX 2.0, a glass fiber-reinforced polyamide. Chosen for its high temperature resistance and electrical insulation, this material allowed direct R&D and testing on a working component.

Thanks to the large-format 3D printing systems at CRP Technology (build size: 550 x 550 x 450 mm), the team was able to print the entire prototype in one piece—an uncommon capability among service providers.

The prototype included the central septum, an aluminum plate integrated into the final product, which directs airflow to prevent battery overheating during acceleration or fast charging.

3D printed functional prototype in SLS technology and Windform LX 2.0
3D printed functional prototype in SLS technology and Windform LX 2.0

Phase 2. CNC Machining of Aluminum Rapid Casting

The second step was a rapid casting of the battery housing in aluminum, followed by CNC machining at CRP Meccanica. The structure – made of two shells – had to maintain dimensional accuracy, resist distortion, and be safe in case of motorcycle impact.

CRP optimized the casting geometry for process stability and worked with Energica’s chosen foundry, sharing simulations and process parameters. The result: a precise aluminum housing that met all of Energica’s safety and performance criteria.

Detail of the battery housing, setting up phase
Detail of the battery housing, setting up phase

Phase 3. Industrial Production via Sand Casting

For production, the process evolved into traditional sand casting, using the same aluminum alloy. Thanks to the refinements made during prototyping, no rework or delays occurred. CRP’s contribution in phase 2 directly enabled a smooth, scalable manufacturing process.

Engineering for Safety and Compliance

Unlike composite housings, which pose electrical conductivity and crash-resistance issues, the aluminum housing offers:

Full high-voltage containment

Structural safety in case of falls

Integrated EMI shielding, eliminating the need for additional testing

The sealed aluminum design allowed Energica to pass EMC certification on the first attempt – reducing costs and speeding up market entry.

NO MARGIN FOR ERROR, ONLY SOLUTIONS

CRP’s combination of advanced prototyping and precision machining made the impossible possible. Energica challenged us with high-tolerance, high-risk demands. We delivered at every step.

We don’t just make parts. We solve problems that others can’t touch.

Let’s Build the Future of Mobility

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From functional prototypes to industrial-ready components, we’re ready to accelerate your innovation.