Equipment for Lithium Battery Assembly, the Key to Produce High-quality Batteries

The importance of automated assembly in the production process of lithium batteries is self-evident. Automated assembly not only improves production efficiency but also enhances product quality. To achieve this goal, advanced battery assembly equipment is indispensable.

In the manufacturing process of lithium batteries, electrode production is one of the key stages. The electrode directly determines the battery’s performance, and the entire battery formulation is reflected in this process. This stage requires equipment such as mixers, coaters, and slitters. The mixer disperses the positive electrode material, solvent, additives, etc., to form a uniform slurry. The coater evenly coats the slurry onto the substrate and dries the moisture, while the slitter cuts the coated and dried substrate into the desired dimensions. The performance of these equipment directly affects the performance and stability of the battery.

The next step is the assembly process, which is another crucial stage in battery production. This stage primarily involves two processes: stacking and winding. Stacking is commonly used for pouch and prismatic cells, while winding is used for cylindrical and prismatic cells. The design principle of these processes involves stacking the prepared positive and negative electrode sheets, separator, and other materials in a specific order to form a battery core, known as a jelly roll. The jelly roll is then dried, followed by the injection and sealing process. The electrolyte is injected into the battery using an injection machine, and then the cell is welded and sealed to form a complete battery. The assembly process significantly impacts the battery’s performance, such as capacity, lifespan, and safety, and should not be overlooked.

The activation and formation stage is the final step in battery manufacturing, and it requires the use of equipment such as formation cabinets and capacity sorting cabinets. The formation cabinet is used to activate the battery, enabling it to possess electrical performance, while the capacity sorting cabinet is used to measure key parameters such as battery capacity and internal resistance.

In battery assembly lines, automated conveyor systems play a significant role. Automated conveyor systems connect various equipment together, making the production line more streamlined and improving production efficiency.

The precision and stability of each equipment have a significant impact on battery performance. For example, the precision of the coating machine  can affect the thickness and stability of the electrode sheet, thus influencing the energy density and lifespan of the battery. The temperature and pressure control precision of the thermal plate press can affect the sealing quality and safety of the battery. Therefore, selecting high-quality equipment and maintaining the precision and stability of the equipment are key to producing high-quality batteries.

Representative companies in the battery industry include CATL, BYD, EVE, and others. Their automated assembly lines are configured at the forefront of the industry. They employ advanced equipment such as coating machine, winding machine or stacking machine, and injection machine, and connect various equipment through automated conveyor systems to ensure smooth production lines. This allows them to maintain a leading position in terms of battery production volume and quality control within the industry.