Battery cell manufacturing is one fluid motion: From mixing the anode and cathode formulation to slurry, to coating, drying, calendering, stacking and winding, to placing the cells in the battery case. What counts here is a smooth process, the right timing and precise movements of rollers, rolls, conveyor belts and tools of various kinds. This is where our drive technology comes into play.
The results of the individual process steps in battery cell production have a critical influence on the service life, charging capacity and quality of the batteries. The choice of drive technology is therefore crucial – both for the end result and for the efficiency of the entire plant.
At SEW-EURODRIVE, we define life cycle services as service offerings, aids and tools along your entire plant life cycle. Starting with the initial orientation through to the use and modernization of your machines and systems.
We will be happy to put together a customized service package for you – tailored to your needs and scalable at any time.
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In the first production step of electrode manufacturing, cathode and anode formulations are mixed with other active materials (conductive additives, solvents and binders) using a rotating tool. Dry mixing is followed by wet mixing (dispersing), and one paste each for cathode and anode, the so-called slurry, is produced. The drive for the stirring tool must withstand high transverse and axial forces and mix at different speeds.
Your requirement
The ready-mixed slurry is applied to both sides of the aluminum or copper carrier foil. The metal foil is unwound from the spool and passed under constant tension over an application roller under the application system so that a uniform coating thickness is achieved. A decisive point here is a constant film pretension, because due to the coating on both sides, the strip cannot be laid down and, in addition, film cracks must be avoided. Directly afterwards, the coated electrode strip is fed into the dryer. Here, the solvent is removed from the slurry so that only the dry substrate remains on the film. After passing through the dryer, it is brought to room temperature via chill rolls and rewound.
Your requirement
In the calendering process, the copper or aluminum foil (electrode foil), which is coated and dried on both sides, is compacted in a rolling mill. For this purpose, it is passed through several rotating pairs of rolls, between which it is compacted at a precisely defined line pressure. Constant pressure from above and below reduces the porosity of the coated substrate.
Your requirement
After compaction, the electrode strip is divided lengthwise into several narrower strips. For this purpose, the parent coil is unwound and cut either thermally by laser or mechanically by knife rolls. Cutting scraps are removed by suction or brushing and the cut strips are rewound onto so-called daughter coils.
Your requirement
Separating: For pouch cells, individual sheets of appropriate size are first cut or punched out of the roll.
Stacking and winding: Then these cut-out anode and cathode sheets are stacked alternately; for prismatic and round cells, the coated electrode strips and a separator strip are wound to form a so-called jelly roll.
Insertion into the battery shell: First, the arrester foils are contacted with the cell arresters by ultrasonic or laser welding. Then the electrode stack or jelly roll is inserted into the packaging and finally closed and sealed by means of impulse or contact seals or by laser welding before the cells are evenly filled with a liquid electrolyte mixture.
Your requirement
Drive technology from SEW-EURODRIVE can optimize your production throughout the entire manufacturing process. Be it handling gantries for transport in space, hoists for vertical displacement, shifting axes or even the handling of tool arms in variable directions.
Your requirements
