Cell molds are one of the key tools for producing lithium-ion batteries, and their design and quality of use directly affect the performance and safety of lithium-ion batteries. In this article, we will introduce the basic concepts, classifications, and design and manufacturing processes of cell molds.
1、 Basic concepts of cell molds
Cell Mold refers to a closed mold used to produce lithium-ion cell monomers. Its main feature is the production of finished cell products with positive and negative electrode materials (such as ternary materials, lithium cobalt oxide materials, lithium iron phosphate materials, etc.) by pressing.
The battery cell mold consists of two parts, the upper part is the top mold and the lower part is the bottom mold. There is a cell quality monitoring device on the top mold, used to monitor quality parameters such as cell density and capacity. There are chamfered holes on the side walls of the bottom mold for injecting positive and negative electrode materials.
2、 Classification of cell molds
According to different battery structures, cell molds can be divided into two types: cylindrical cell molds and soft pack cell molds.
1. Columnar cell mold
The cylindrical battery cell mold is the most commonly used mold for manufacturing high-power lithium-ion batteries such as electric vehicles, electric bicycles, and drones. The shape design of the cylindrical cell mold is similar to that of a small rocket, hence it is also known as the "cell rocket" mold.
The size of cylindrical cell molds is relatively large, usually consisting of dozens or even hundreds of top and bottom molds to match different quantities of positive and negative electrode material grids. The height of cylindrical cell molds is usually between 200~400mm, and the outer diameter is about 65~90mm. This mold can produce high-power, high-energy density battery products.
2. Soft pack battery cell mold
Soft pack cell molds refer to molds used to produce needle type cells and thin film cells. The main characteristic of the soft pack battery cell mold is that the outer dimensions of the produced battery cells are relatively small, and the battery cell capacity and power are low.
Soft pack cell molds typically have only one top mold and one bottom mold to produce single or double layer needle or thin film cells. This type of battery cell is widely used in lightweight electronic products (such as smartphones, tablets, etc.) and embedded devices.
3、 Design and manufacturing of cell molds
1. Basic design process
In the design process of the battery cell mold, specific technical solutions should be developed based on production requirements, followed by 3D modeling, dynamic simulation, and prototype manufacturing processes.
Firstly, it is necessary to determine the design requirements for the shape, size, and quality parameters of the cell mold. Secondly, it is necessary to design and calculate the mold structure, and develop design plans for the top mold, bottom mold, and other related components. Finally, material selection, surface treatment, and other processes are carried out to ultimately manufacture the required cell mold.
2. Manufacturing process flow
The main manufacturing process of the cell mold includes CNC machining, machining, and electrode bending.
CNC machining refers to the process of converting the design drawing of the cell mold into mechanical motion signals through computer program instructions. The machining process is a method of mechanical processing through machine tools, which can produce precise electrical core mold components. Electrode bending refers to the process of rolling the positive and negative aluminum foils into different shapes.
Through the above manufacturing process, reliable and high-quality cell molds can be manufactured. These molds not only improve production efficiency, but also improve the quality of battery cells, making them more suitable for various application needs.
4、 Application prospects of battery cell molds
With the continuous expansion of the application field of lithium-ion batteries, the importance of cell molds in lithium-ion battery production is becoming increasingly prominent. The quality and performance of battery cell molds directly affect the quality and safety of lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, continuous innovation and upgrading in mold manufacturing technology make the produced battery cells more stable, safe, and reliable.
Moreover, lithium-ion batteries have broad application prospects in fields such as new energy vehicles, energy storage devices, and intelligent wearables. The continuous improvement and improvement of battery cell molds will play an important role in promoting the industrial upgrading of lithium-ion batteries and the development of the new energy vehicle industry.
