Laboratory Roll-to-Roll Continuous Coating Machine for Battery Electrode Fabrication

The roll-to-roll continuous coating process serves as a critical technology in the manufacturing of flexible electronics and energy storage materials, where equipment performance directly determines the uniformity, consistency, and production efficiency of electrode coatings. The CCM-200 laboratory coating machine, a compact roll-to-roll coater specifically designed for battery research, integrates high-precision coating, tension control, drying, and automatic winding functions, providing a reliable experimental platform for the development of lithium-ion battery cathode and anode materials (e.g., LFP, LCO, LMO, and NCM systems).

Designed with modularity in mind, this coater supports a maximum coating width of 180 mm and is compatible with flexible substrates such as aluminum foil (11–30 μm) and copper foil (8–30 μm). Its adjustable coating speed (0–750 mm/min) accommodates slurries with viscosities ranging from 1500 to 15,000 cps, enabling precise control over coating thickness (30–200 μm). The system demonstrates exceptional process stability, with single-side dry thickness accuracy within ±2 μm, double-side dry thickness deviation below ±4 μm, and double-side alignment error controlled within ±0.5 mm. The low-friction tension system and precision edge alignment mechanism (±0.3 mm) ensure substrate flatness during operation, while the independently PID-controlled drying oven (temperature accuracy ±1°C, max 150°C) facilitates efficient solvent evaporation and coating curing.

Technically, the CCM-200 achieves a coating roller precision of ≤1 μm and a mechanical tape speed accuracy of ±0.1 m/min, collectively ensuring process repeatability and reliability. Operating in continuous coating mode, the machine supports automated production with a maximum material length of 500 meters, significantly enhancing the efficiency of lab-scale electrode fabrication. Its compact footprint (1000 × 650 × 650 mm, 500 kg) and four-directional wheeled base allow for flexible placement and mobility in laboratory environments.

From an application perspective, this coater is not only suitable for conventional lithium-ion battery electrode research but also extendable to emerging energy storage systems such as solid-state and sodium-ion batteries. Its high-precision coating capability provides essential technical support for interfacial optimization, thickness-gradient design, and composite coating development. Future integration of in-line thickness monitoring and AI-based feedback systems could further advance the intelligence of coating processes, accelerating the translation of battery materials from lab-scale research to industrial production.

The design philosophy of the CCM-200 reflects innovations in the miniaturization and precision of roll-to-roll coating technology. Its performance metrics and functional configuration offer valuable insights for both academic and industrial research, laying a solid foundation for next-generation high-performance battery electrode fabrication.