Structure of lithium-ion batteries
Different structural methods, different materials, similar processes, but with a new device.
Lithium-ion batteries mainly consist of four parts: a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a non-aqueous electrolyte, and a separator. Currently, the most common lithium-ion batteries on the market are lithium iron phosphate batteries and ternary lithium-ion batteries, with different positive electrode materials. While their manufacturing processes are similar, significant changes are required to the process parameters. If ternary materials are used instead of lithium iron phosphate, the rectification performance of older production lines will be poor. For battery manufacturers, this would require replacing a large amount of equipment on the production line.
Lithium-ion battery manufacturing processes consist of three parts: pre-processing, mid-processing, and post-processing, accounting for approximately 35%/30%/35% respectively.
The lithium-ion battery production process is complex, with key stages including the first stage of electrode manufacturing (mixing and coating), the second stage of battery winding and liquid phase injection (middle), and the third stage of packaging and testing (post-production). The value (purchase amount) of this process accounts for approximately 35-40% (30-35%). Differences arise primarily from different equipment suppliers, variations in the ratio of imported to domestically produced products, and the existence of errors in the value proportions due to shared technological foundations, but generally conform to this ratio.
The key lithium battery equipment corresponding to the aforementioned lithium battery production processes includes vacuum mixers, coating machines, and rollers. Intermediate processes mainly include die-cutting machines, winding machines, laminating machines, and liquid injection machines. Downstream processes include chemical molding machines, component testing equipment, and automated process storage and logistics systems. Additionally, battery pack production also requires automated packaging equipment.
Lithium-ion battery front-end manufacturing process: the connection function between the battery center and electrode manufacturing
The result of the front-end processes in lithium-ion battery manufacturing is the preparation of the positive and negative electrodes. The first step is mixing. After the positive and negative solid-state battery materials are mixed evenly, a solvent is added, and the mixture is stirred into a slurry using a vacuum mixer. The mixing of these materials is fundamental to subsequent lithium-ion battery processes; high-quality mixing is essential for the high-quality completion of subsequent coating and rolling processes.
Coating and rolling are downstream processes, following coating. If burrs occur during cutting, subsequent equipment, electrolyte injection, and even battery usage could pose safety hazards. Therefore, front-end equipment in lithium-ion battery production, such as mixers, coating machines, rollers, and slitting machines, is central to battery manufacturing and directly impacts the quality of the entire production line. Consequently, the value (amount) of front-end equipment accounts for the highest proportion of the entire automated lithium-ion battery production line, approximately 35%.
Lithium-ion battery intermediate process flow: power priority, layering after winding
In the manufacturing process of lithium-ion batteries, a crucial intermediate step is battery forming. Key processes include film preparation, electrode film winding, die cutting, battery winding, and lamination. This is a highly competitive area among domestic equipment manufacturers, accounting for approximately 30% of the value of a lithium-ion battery production line.
