The demand for lithium-ion pouch batteries is rapidly increasing due to their lightweight design, high energy density, and versatility in various applications, from consumer electronics to electric vehicles. To meet this demand, efficient and effective assembly processes are crucial, particularly in laboratory settings where pilot lines are established for research and development. At Mikrouna, we offer comprehensive lithium-ion pouch battery cell laboratory pilot line solutions designed to streamline the production process from start to finish.

 1. Overview of the Pouch Cell Pilot Line Process

The Mikrouna pouch cell pilot line encompasses several key processes that ensure the successful assembly of high-quality lithium-ion batteries. These processes include:

- Proportioning and Weighing

- Slurry Mixing

- Coating

- Calendering/Rolling Press

- Tab Notching (Die Cutting)

- Negative Electrode Sheet Making/Stacking

- Hot Press Testing

- TAB Welding

- Formation

- Degassing

- Grading

Each step is critical to achieving optimal performance and safety in the final product.

 2. Proportioning and Weighing

The assembly process begins with proportioning and weighing the raw materials. Accurate measurement is essential as it determines the quality of the slurry that will be used in subsequent steps. In this stage, positive materials are mixed evenly before adding a solvent to create a slurry using a vacuum mixer.

Key Input: Raw material formula  

Output: Positive electrode and solid electrolyte slurry

 3. Slurry Mixing

Once the materials are proportioned, they undergo slurring mixing. This step involves homogenizing the mixture to ensure uniform consistency, which is vital for effective coating and rolling later in the process.

Key Input: Raw material formula  

Output: Positive electrode and solid electrolyte slurry

 4. Coating

After preparing the slurry, it is coated onto a current collector foil. This process is crucial for ensuring that the active materials adhere properly, which directly impacts battery capacity, safety, and overall performance consistency.

Key Input: Cathode slurry  

Output: Positive sheet material

 5. Calendering/Rolling Press

Following coating, the electrode sheets are rolled to enhance adhesion between the active materials and the current collector foil. This step prevents peeling during electrolyte immersion and ensures durability during battery use.

Key Input: Positive electrode sheet  

Output: Enhanced positive sheet material

 6. Tab Notching (Die Cutting)

In this stage, tabs are cut from the electrode sheets using die cutting techniques. These tabs will facilitate electrical connections within the battery.

Key Input: Positive electrode material  

Output: Properly sized electrode sheets with tabs

 7. Negative Electrode Sheet Making/Stacking

The negative electrode sheets are prepared by cutting lithium metal rolls to size and stacking them with the positive electrodes and separators. This assembly forms the core structure of the pouch cell.

Key Input: Lithium metal negative electrode coil  

Output: Stacked battery structure

 8. Hot Press Testing

Hot pressing involves applying heat and pressure to ensure that all components are properly bonded together. This process also helps identify any internal short circuits or defects within the cell structure.

Key Input: Pouch battery cell  

Output: Tested and bonded battery structure

 9. TAB Welding

After hot pressing, TAB welding connects the electrode sheets with their respective tabs using ultrasonic welding techniques, ensuring reliable electrical connections within the battery.

Key Input: Electrode sheet cell  

Output: Fully connected pouch battery cell

 10. Formation

Formation involves charging and discharging the assembled cells to activate them and form a stable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the electrodes. This step is critical for ensuring optimal performance of lithium-ion batteries.

Key Input: Assembled battery cell  

Output: Activated pouch battery cell

 11. Degassing

Degassing follows formation testing, where any trapped gases within the cell are removed to enhance safety and performance.

Key Input: Battery cell  

Output: Complete battery cell free of internal gases

 12. Grading

Finally, grading is performed to classify cells based on their internal resistance, voltage, and discharge capacity through charge-discharge tests. This ensures that only high-quality cells proceed to packaging.

Key Input: Battery cells after formation  

Output: Qualified pouch battery cells ready for use

 Conclusion

The assembly of lithium-ion pouch batteries in laboratory pilot lines requires meticulous attention to detail at every stage of production. From proportioning raw materials to grading finished cells, each step contributes significantly to the overall quality and performance of the final product. At Mikrouna, we are dedicated to providing advanced assembly solutions tailored for laboratory needs while ensuring high efficiency and reliability.

If you're looking for expert guidance or equipment for your lithium-ion pouch battery cell assembly processes, contact us today! Let Mikrouna help you achieve excellence in your battery production endeavors with our innovative solutions designed specifically for your requirements.