Ticker, the German "machine" consists of several assemblies designed to turn plastic film, metal sheet and metal polymer film into batteries, complete except for the external plastic wrap. The procedures are fairly complex and I think perhaps Rich would have a more complete knowledge of this. The process involves rolling, laminating, heating, pressing and slicing the layers of separator, electrode film and grid material, attaching the electrodes. At some point, electrolyte is injected. Generally, this is referred to as the "front end" of manufacturing and is done by what is called the assembly machine or big machine. Following that, the batteries which have been pressed and sliced are packaged, degassed and sealed. The packaging is called "back end". It is this procedure which involved some handwork and was a bottleneck. Now, the factory has received one of the two automated packaging machines which were on order. This should allow faster production and is pending the arrival of the other equipment, including another packaging machine and the big German machine to come in March and in the Summer.
As I said, the job of the big machine is to laminate, roll and press coated layers of film and other components. I may have erred in calling them "coater/laminaters". In hindsight, I believe coating of slurry onto plastic sheet is done by existing equipment; but the overall explanation should be reasonably accurate. |
