As the electric vehicle (EV) sector develops further, and demand for powerful performance packs increases, battery factories of all types are rarely out of view of the new machine, which could hardly be a genuinely new design but harks back to recent sorting machines.
Usually known as prismatic cells (but with also cylindrical and pouch designs), batteries are often sorted so that they may be arranged according to dimensional, chemical, electronic and even mechanical properties. Fully automatic sorting machines can sort thousands of batteries per hour, with variable jug weighing. However, those looking for shiny shiny whither must look elsewhere, as some sorting cells by bumping or flipping plastic devices into receptacles have beenA machine that is multi-format may be capable of dealing with multi-format prismatic cells; with a number of sorting types; voltage sorting, capacity sorting, resistance testing and so on when manufacturers may get greater flexibility. “A machine that can handle several different size prismatic cells” might have monitoring and defect detection options if more than one type of prismatic cell size is sorted.
Automation and EfficiencyFully automated “no-touch” machines that require less manual intervention that are perfect for EV battery makers. Automation not only improves throughput but reduces the risk of human error and cuts down on labor costs. Machines with integrated feeders, conveyors, and that monitor dateo a real time basis provide maximum benefits.
Testing and Quality ControlMore important in an EV application than in many other applications, sorting machines that work together with testing equipment (internal resistance testers (Ir test), voltage meters, capacity measurements etc,) ensure that every prismatic cell meets the parameters needed to be qualified for EV battery pack service.
Types of Sorting Machines for EV Prismatic CellsWhen it comes to sorting prismatic cells for EVs, a number of machines meet the needs of manufacturers. These include:
Automated Prismatic Cell Sorting MachinesThese work quickly and efficiently using advanced algorithms which measure and sort prismatic cells on a variety of parameters. This form of automated sorting machine may have integrated conveyors, for optimum processing speed, or have robotic arms for accurate handling.Semi-Automatic Sorting Machines
For smaller production runs or for manufacturers looking to keep their costs down, semi-automatic sorting machines can be a great solution. These machines offer the flexibility of operators coming back to check their settings and conduct tests while doing some sorting. Battery Grading and Testing Systems For those manufacturers who want not just to sort, but test their prismatic cells for their various characteristics, battery grading systems is what is required. These typically come with testing modules for things like: internal resistance, voltage, capacity, etc., allowing the manufacturers to sort the cells more precisely. Flexible Sorting Systems For those manufacturers who want the possibility to operate on various cell types and formats, there are flexible production systems. Configurable to also sort (in addition to prismatic) other cell formats such as cylindrical or pouch, this gives the manufacturers versatility to make use of different battery types and specifications across the board. Manual Sorting Machines For some niche operations (where high speed of production isn’t necessary) there may be also machines that work on a much smaller scale enabling operators to sort the cells. Using tools and guides, this is suitable also for test production of specific cell types.
Conclusion
Speaking of the best machine for sorting EV prismatic cells depends on the particular needs of the manufacturer. What is your production scale, accuracy required, what type of speed and flexibility do you expect, and do you need the machines to integrate testing equipment? All these will dictate the best solution for you. Automated sorting with an integrated testing system who would give the highest throughput, and the fastest with the most precise sorting may be the best option for many large scale EV battery productions, but there are also the semi-automatic, and flexible sorting systems. The sorting is such an important process and the choice of machine is critical, not just to the EV manufacturers, but to their end users because the result impacts battery pack quality, overall efficiency, longevity and reliability as such. When manufacturers really look after things, you can be sure their EV prismatic cells will meet all necessary standards and ensure there is less trouble when they make their way to users, thanks to the right machining and equipment for sorting in the first place.
