Lithium-ion batteries power the lives of millions of people every day. From laptops and cell phones to electric cars, the use of Lithium-Ion batteries continues to grow rapidly, due to their light weight, high energy density and ability to recharge.
Like other batteries, a Lithium-Ion battery consists of an anode, a cathode, a separator, an electrolyte and positive/negative current collectors. The anode and cathode store lithium. The electrolyte carries positively charged ions from the anode to the cathode (and vice versa through the separator). Lithium ions create free electrons (in the anode) which create an electrical current that flows through a device being powered (such as a cell phone or computer, etc.).
How are Lithium-Ion Batteries Made?
China, Japan and South Korea are the major manufacturers and suppliers of equipment for Li-ion cell production. The production of lithium-ion battery cells consists of three main stages:
1. electrode manufacturing
2. cell assembly
3. and cell finishing
Each stage has sub-processes.
Lithium-Ion Battery Electrolyte Infilling
After the electrodes have been prepared, the assembly process places the separator between the anode and the cathode (to form the internal structure of the cell). From there, the battery is filled with electrolyte via a high-precision dosing needle. Once filled, the cell is sealed. Filling the cell with electrolyte is a crucial step in the process, because inaccurate or incomplete filling will negatively impact the battery’s energy density, cycle life and safety.
The electrolyte syringe pump plays a vital role in this process, and these high-precision dosing needles are powered by HKP Actuators.
HKP actuators are used to rotate a plunger switch, which imports and exports the electrolyte through the syringe pump. The actuator delivers precise and consistent liquid flow. It is also programmable, which enables operators to easily adjust volumes between production runs. This makes it easy for operators to fill different battery types, including round and square batteries.
HKP’s stepper actuators offers a wide range of standard products, from 1.6W to 31W, with output force capable of reaching 500 lbs. The lead screw diameter is available from 2mm (5/64’’) to 24mm (15/16’’). The lead goes from 0.012’’ to 3’’. There are more than 10 different types of driven nuts available.
HKP’s technical experts around the globe understand our customer’s applications. All HKP solutions are fully customizable to the design specifications of each customer application.
Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions has the exact size and type of linear actuator to solve any motion application