FLEXIBLE PILOT LINE

Our new Flexible Pilot Line (FPL) is a space for executing early-stage optimisation cycles and production trials to demonstrate products


The line will:

  • Accommodate multiple solvents, chemistries & cell formats
  • Bridge the gap between UKBIC’s existing Industrial Scale-up Line and other kilogram scale demonstrator lines


Discover our capability in more detail

  • Mixing

    INTENSIVE 

    • Two independent small-scale lines
    • Mix Batch size: 15-40L (dependent on material densities)
    • Semi-automated material preparation and filling
    • Ability to handle conventional LIB solvents (up to low flash point materials)
    • Manual and automated slurry decanting
    • Degassing following slurry discharge

    EXTRUSION

    • Maximum continuous throughput: 20L/Hr
    • Conventional anode and cathode slurry capability
    • Readiness for solvent-free development work
    • Use of Intensive mixing lines for semi-automated material preparation and filling

  • Electrode Process Development Area (EPDA)

    • Small-scale mixing equipment capable
    • Batch Size: 1-10L (slurry and ceramic mixing)
    • Maximum coating width: 305mm

  • Coating and drying

    • Single-side coating with various coating technologies, including slot die
    • Maximum coating width (technology dependant): 290-305mm
    • Maximum foil width: 320mm
    • Unwinding technologies: Corona Treatment, two slot die positions, pre IR drying, foil and wet coat weight measurement, intermittent coating module
    • Drying tunnel: 6m in 1m zones using convection drying
    • Drying environment: fan and temperature speeds per zone individually controllable
    • Humidity of drying air controlled by independent dehumidifier (ambient to -40°C dew point)
    • Rewinding technologies: QR marking, surface and dimensional inspection, dry coat weight measurement, cooling rolle

  • Calendering

    • Roll-to-roll calender with heated rollers
    • Max electrode width: 430mm
    • Unwinding technologies: Electrode cleaning, edge trim functionality, pre calender web heating (IR and Induction), S-Wrap angle to calender via lower calender roll
    • Rewinding technologies: post calender web heating (IR and induction), surface inspection, web thickness inspection

  • Slitting

    • Roll-to-roll slitting machine
    • Maximum electrode width: 500mm

  • Dry laboratory

    • Performance assessment of FPL and ISL materials
    • Small-scale cell assembly
    • Available cell formats: 2032 coin cell (single layer)
    • Multilayer pouch cell - Cathode: 56mm x 43mm, anode: 58mm x 45mm