The manufacture of the lithium-ion battery cell comprises the three main process steps of electrode manufacturing, cell assembly and cell finishing. The electrode manufacturing and cell finishing process steps are largely independent of the cell type, while cell assembly distinguishes between pouch and cylindrical cells as well as prismatic cells.
The first stage in battery manufacturing is the fabrication of positive and negative electrodes. The main processes involved are: mixing, coating, calendering, slitting, electrode making (including die cutting and tab welding). The equipment used in this stage are: mixer, coating machine, roller press, slitting machine, electrode making machine.
In addition, the transferability of competencies from the production of lithium-ion battery cells is discussed. The publication “Battery Module and Pack Assembly Process” provides a comprehensive process overview for the production of battery modules and packs. The effects of different design variants on production are also explained.
The new comprehensive overview by the VDMA Battery Production department about what companies offer which kind of technology along the process chain will help you find the right partners. Directly contact the companies' battery experts. Search the divisions within the production chain according to your needs and find the right corporation.
Each step will be analysed in more detail as we build the depth of knowledge. The cell manufacturing process requires 50 to 180kWh/kWh. Note: this number does not include the energy required to mine, refine or process the raw materials before they go into the cell manufacturing plant.
CapEx, key process parameters, statistical process control, and other manufacturing concepts are introduced in the context of high throughput battery manufacturing. In many universities and startup-scale battery R&D environments, the coin cell is the default form factor to evaluate battery systems.