Reliable Process Solutions from Single Components to Complete Systems

Salina, KS, USA, September 9, 2024 – At this year’s Battery Show North America (October 7-10, 2024, Detroit, MI) Coperion will present innovative and reliable technologies, as well as system solutions for efficient manufacturing of high-quality batteries at Booth 4830. Exhibits on display in the booth will highlight the technological advances Coperion designs into their equipment for use in battery production. Coperion is also pleased to announce that as of August 1st, 2024, former Schenck Process Food and Performance Materials (FPM) became Coperion. Together, the highly experienced teams will present for the very first time in one booth under the brand Coperion. As industry experts in the development of high-accuracy feeding, dust collection and conveying solutions, as well as twin screw extruders that can be used in continuous processes, Coperion offers efficient battery production solutions within the battery manufacturing sectors of mining and refining, active material production, mixing of battery masses (both dry and slurry), battery separator film production and battery recycling. Together, with combined competencies, Coperion offers not only first-class technological solutions but also systems that can significantly optimize battery production, all from a single source. 

Versatile and highly accurate feeding solutions 
One vital aspect of battery compound manufacturing is the safe and reliable introduction of raw materials into the process. A variety of feeder technologies are available, depending upon the raw material and process step. With a comprehensive line of feeding solutions, Coperion has the experience and process expertise to meet the challenges of producing high energy li-ion batteries. Coperion feeders are distinguished by their high accuracy and reliability. The synergy of mechanical design, cutting-edge weighing technology, and advanced control is critical for achieving maximum feeding performance. 

Optimized material handling and conveying solutions
Coperion battery process solutions also include conveying, milling and calcining equipment as well as dust filtration systems designed specifically to cope with the harsh environments and materials found in many battery manufacturing processes. Coperion offers a variety of technologies for these processes that hold up under adverse conditions without premature wear and without sacrificing performance or precision. Another added value is that Coperion equipment is always designed for ease of maintenance, service and cleaning, to reduce downtime and maintain compliance. 

With so many challenging materials used in battery manufacturing, Coperion vacuum dense-phase pneumatic conveying technology offers significant benefits over the more commonly used dilute-phase pneumatic conveyors through greater energy efficiency, gentler material handling and reduced stress on system components such as piping.

Reliable continuous system solutions using twin screw extrusion
Coperion’s ZSK high-performance twin screw extruder, in combination with Coperion high-accuracy feeders and optimized conveying solutions, forms the core of systems designed to optimize the continuous production of electrode compounds. The system offers high process stability resulting in consistently high-quality end products. Moreover, its high reliability and extended lifespan sets it apart. Using continuous production allows for greater material efficiency and more cost-efficient and climate-friendly battery cell production compared to conventional batch processes. 

Coperion also offers reliable solutions for the continuous film extrusion process including high accuracy delivery of the bulk material required to create an optimal separator film. Comprehensive engineering know-how, customized machine design and high process stability ensure film lines that feature high output rates, high quality levels and best in class reliability.

Battery manufacturing test lab capabilities
Coperion test centers specifically designed for battery production offer extensive opportunities to test various process steps in battery manufacturing including pneumatic conveying, material handling and feeding of raw materials, filtration and continuous extrusion of battery masses. These test centers are the ideal platform for testing changes or innovations to products or recipes. Coperion experts support customers in the design of processes and technologies to achieve maximum product quality, safety and efficiency. The test centers are equipped to carry out tests with all common raw materials used in battery active material or separator film production and our experienced staff offers extensive simulation and scale-up expertise. In addition, a research lab for tests with hazardous substances is available.