Electrode slitting is the step in battery manufacturing where the large rolls of coated and compressed electrode material are cut into specific widths for jellyroll winding. Electrode punching is the step where the coated and compressed electrodes are cut into the desired shape and size for jellyroll stacking. For example, a cylindrical jellyroll may require the anode electrode to be slit to a 59mm width and wound onto a plastic core on the slitting machine. Precision in cutting is crucial: the dimensions must fit the cell design, and edges must be clean to avoid creating particles or burrs that could lead to internal shorts. The cutting process must also align with the electrode’s geometry, such as creating tabs (uncoated regions of foil) for welding the current collectors when making stacked cells.
NOVONIX’s pilot line and R&D assembly processes include electrode slitting and punching tailored to prototype cell sizes. They investigate the best cutting techniques to minimize edge damage. Through optimizing electrode cutting, NOVONIX ensures that the transition from raw coated sheets to finalized electrode pieces does not introduce defects, maintaining the integrity and consistency needed for high-performance batteries.
