Laboratory Equipment

Lithium-ion batteries are the most widely used technology for electric vehicles, as well as a wide range of other applications. Manufacturing quality is one of the most important factors when it comes to the performance of the battery. Ensuring high quality levels of production during the manufacturing process of lithium-ion batteries is critical in preventing safety risks and underperformance of the battery.

What Are The 4 Basic Components of a Battery?

Lithium-ion batteries consist of four main components. These include the cathode, anode, electrolyte, and separator. The cathode is the source of the lithium-ions and determines the voltage and capacity of the battery. The lithium-ions from the cathode are stored and released from the anode which allow currents to pass through an external circuit. Electrolytes enable the movement of the lithium-ions or electrical charge between the cathode and anode. The separator prevents contact between the cathode and anode.

The anode is the negative side and the cathode is the positive side of the battery. An electrolyte chemical medium enables the movement of the electrical charge between the anode and the cathode and transforms the chemical energy to electrical energy. Lithium-ions move from the negative electrode through an electrolyte to the positive electrode during discharge.

What Chemicals Are Used in Battery Production?

There are several key chemicals used in the production of batteries. These include nickel, cobalt, and lithium. These metals are used in today’s cathode material and the chemistries utilized in high-performance batteries.

Electric vehicle batteries run on the flow of lithium-ions between the anode, which contains graphite, and the cathode. Lithium carries the charge between electrodes. Cathodes are composed of nickel. Nickel is extra durable and results in high energy density which makes the car travel further. Cobalt has a tight molecular structure that ensures a rapid flow of electrons through the battery and prevents the cathodes from overheating or catching on fire and helps extend the life of the batteries.

What Lab Equipment Do I Need in the Electric Car Manufacturing Process?

There are three main stages in the production of the lithium-ion battery. These include electrode manufacturing, cell assembly, and cell finishing. Each stage requires certain types of lab equipment.

The following is the equipment required per stage:

Electrode manufacturing. Equipment for this stage includes mixers for slurry making, drying & coating machines, roll pressing or calendering machines, slitting or electrode cutting machines, microscopes, vacuum drying, or convection ovens.

Cell assembly. Equipment needed in the cell assembly stage includes a die cutting machine, a winding machine, a stacking machine, an electrolyte filling machine, and a tab & sealing welding machine.

Cell finishing. Equipment used during the cell finishing process includes battery formation testers, grading machines, aging cabinets, and battery testing machines.

What PPE is Needed During the Manufacturing Process?

Personal safety equipment is extremely important during the manufacturing process. There are many health and safety hazards in this type of environment.

Some of the personal protective equipment that workers in the manufacturing environment should wear include the following:

Lab coats. Lab coats provide protection for your skin and clothes and should always be worn when handling hazardous material.

Bouffant caps. Bouffant caps prevent contamination and help keep your hair out of your eyes for optimum visibility at all times.

Nitrile gloves. Nitrile gloves will protect hands from coming into contact with chemicals or materials that will cut or irritate the skin.

Shoe covers. Shoe covers are designed to keep an environment sterile and sanitary. Shoe covers protect from chemicals staining your shoes and from chemicals being tracked outside of the lab environment.

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