Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched a state-of-the-art in-line metrology solution for battery manufacturing, providing unmatched electrode mass loading measurement and coating quality assurance. The LInspector Edge In-line Mass Profilometer is designed to revolutionize electrode coating QA by measuring 100% of a coated electrode in real time, without scanning or moving parts. This advanced tool simultaneously gathers spatial information and coating weight data, providing full-width basis weight and profile uniformity analysis with unprecedented precision. It captures data at full production speeds, producing high-resolution images rather than spot measurements typical of conventional gauges. This results in 1000 times more coating profile weight data, enabling the detection of non-uniformities that other technologies might miss. This innovation offers battery manufacturers an exceptional foundation for accurate process control and the highest levels of quality and performance assurance.
Key Features
- 100% Electrode Mass Loading Inspection: The LInspector Edge In-line Mass Profilometer allows for real-time inspection of 100% of the coated electrode at high production speeds, providing 1000 times more mass loading uniformity data than traditional scanning gauges. This data helps detect small defects early in the process, enabling effective remedial actions that reduce scrap rates, decrease time to market, and improve overall product performance.
- Advanced Process Control: Electrode coating weight and profile uniformity are critical for maintaining the quality and safety of lithium-ion batteries. The LInspector Edge delivers a complete coating profile every 3 millimeters, offering the fastest measurement feedback for quicker, better-informed, and more accurate control decisions. This capability enhances process efficiency, reduces scrap, and increases throughput during start-up and product transitions.
Application Areas
- Research and Development: For battery R&D, achieving precise electrode coating weight targets is essential for optimal performance and safety. The LInspector Edge provides comprehensive data on electrode coating uniformity, aiding in the optimization of coating materials and equipment controls, which in turn enhances process development, quality, and yield.
- Pilot Scale Manufacturing: In pilot scale production, understanding mass loading distribution is critical for improving product quality and performance. The LInspector Edge accelerates development and improves yields by offering real-time, detailed data on 100% of the coated electrode, facilitating the scale-up of next-generation materials and higher-performance batteries.
- Mass Production: As demand for lithium-ion batteries rises, the challenge is to increase throughput while reducing scrap. The LInspector Edge ensures coating uniformity and faster defect detection, providing comprehensive traceability and high-resolution data for optimized production yield and quality assurance.
Complete Traceability for Quality Assurance
Ensuring the quality of battery components throughout the manufacturing process is vital. The LInspector Edge enables complete traceability by providing high-resolution images and data on coating uniformity for the entire production run. This visibility allows manufacturers to identify and address production issues proactively, optimizing the manufacturing process for maximum efficiency.
Empowering Software
The Thermo Scientific LInspector Edge Pro Software enhances the functionality of the LInspector Edge In-line Mass Profilometer by offering real-time mass loading data analysis, high-resolution heat map displays, and comprehensive profile visualizations. Its user-friendly interface allows operators to control the analyzer and process data effectively, making quick adjustments to improve product uniformity and detect defects early.
The software features include:
- Real-Time Mass Loading Data Analysis: Displays multiple visualizations representing the mass loading levels of the entire electrode surface, allowing for quick process adjustments and improved product uniformity.
- High-Resolution Heat Map: Offers a graphical representation of mass loading results, enabling operators to quickly identify areas of concern and adjust the color scale to highlight specific features in the electrode coating.
- CD and MD Profile Displays: Provide detailed cross-section uniformity data and trend graphs for monitoring changes in average weight over time and analyzing key areas of the coating.
- Stripe Profile Display: Gives an overview of each stripe in real-time, highlighting defective areas and displaying key statistics to facilitate faster process control decisions.
By integrating the LInspector Edge In-line Mass Profilometer and LInspector Edge Pro Software, battery manufacturers can achieve higher levels of quality, efficiency, and confidence in their electrode coatings, ensuring the production of safe and reliable batteries.
