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Optimize energy cell production
Optimize energy cell production
With increasing production of high-performance lithium-ion batteries for a growing number of purposes such as electric cars and numerous devices across the globe, precise quality and process control of the battery production process is key to deliver high-performance, reliable and safe products. Hammer-IMS' process and quality control solutions enable battery manufacturers to monitor important parameters such as width, thickness, basis-weight, leading edge, and heavy edge, after the coating and calendering process with Marveloc-CURTAIN systems, as well as detecting and classifying pinholes and other anomalies with Edge-Vision-4.0 systems.
Gauge film thickness after coating and calendering
Gauge film thickness after coating and calendering
An essential step in the manufacturing process of lithium-ion batteries is applying electrode coatings on copper (anode) or aluminum (cathode) films. The film is continuously or intermittently coated with the isolation substance using an application tool, such as a slot die, a doctor blade or an anilox roller. After coating, the wet foil is transferred to the dryer stages.
Hammer-IMS offers inline quality control systems that gauge battery coating to identify sections where the coating layer is too thin or even missing. Such deficiencies can potentially lead to degraded battery performance and short circuits.
The Hammer-IMS range of inline systems are able to measure the width, basis-weight, thickness, and also detect the leading edge, heavy edge, and side edges of coated films. Additionally, the HMI unit (human machine interface) from Hammer-IMS allows operators and production supervisors to monitor these measurements in real time. Optionally, it is possible to use the reporting data to automatically control the electrode coating step in a closed loop.
After the calendering stage, the coating thickness is then compressed by a rotating pair of rollers. This step is essential in obtaining the required line pressure, to ensure the subsequent wetting properties of the electrodes and the energy density of the cells. Accurate thickness and basis-weight measurements of the coating is an important quality indication in battery production lines.
The leading edge in battery coating refers to the portion of the electrode where the coating material first makes contact with the substrate. Monitoring the leading edge is crucial because it impacts the initial adhesion of the coating material to the substrate. If there are issues with the leading edge, it can lead to uneven coating thickness, poor adhesion, or defects in the electrode structure.
The heavy edge refers to the opposite end of the coating, where more coating material accumulates, resulting in a thicker section compared to the rest of the coated electrode. Keeping track of the heavy edge is important because an excessively thick region can affect the overall performance of the battery. It can lead to non-uniform electrode thickness, which in turn can cause variations in battery capacity and efficiency. Uniform coatings minimize the risk of defects and performance variations in the final battery products, enhancing their reliability and lifespan.
Hammer-IMS's Edge-Vision-4.0 inline system provides quality control by monitoring electrode coating with machine-vision technology.
Hammer-IMS offers state-of-the-art measurement solutions to ensure unparalleled accuracy and efficiency in production. From measurement systems to machine-vision solutions, Hammer-IMS elevates process and quality control in the battery maufacturing process. For personalized consultations and inquiries, connect with our dedicated team today.
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