Project Overview
This project focused on establishing a dedicated 18650 lithium-ion cylindrical cell lab line within an existing battery manufacturer’s R&D facility in China. The customer required a controlled experimental environment to support electrode formulation development, process parameter optimization, and performance verification prior to mass production deployment.
TOBGROUP delivered a fully integrated laboratory-scale solution, covering equipment selection, layout planning, and process sequencing aligned with industrial manufacturing logic. The experimental line was designed to replicate key production steps—electrode preparation, coating, calendering, cell assembly, electrolyte filling, formation, and testing—while maintaining the flexibility required for frequent parameter adjustments.
TOBGROUP engineers performed on-site installation, commissioning, and process debugging, ensuring stable equipment operation and reproducible cell fabrication. The laboratory line enables the customer to evaluate material systems, electrode designs, and manufacturing parameters under realistic conditions, significantly reducing the technical risks associated with scaling from laboratory research to pilot and mass production.
This project highlights TOBGROUP’s capability to bridge laboratory research and industrial manufacturing, providing battery manufacturers with practical R&D infrastructure rather than isolated laboratory equipment.
Ⅰ. Clients Requirement
The customer’s primary requirements of the 18650 lithium-ion cylindrical cell lab line included:
| 18650 Cell R&D Compatibility |
Limited Space & Infrastructure Constraints |
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Support for standard 18650 cylindrical lithium-ion cells Alignment with downstream mass production processes |
Compact equipment footprint suitable for laboratory environments Compatibility with existing dry rooms and utilities |
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Laboratory-Level Process Flexibility |
Engineering Support & Training |
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Adjustable coating thickness, calendering pressure, and winding parameters Rapid switching between different material systems and formulations |
On-site equipment commissioning and process debugging Technical guidance for laboratory engineers and operators |
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Process Repeatability & Data Reliability |
Partial Material & Consumable Supply |
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Stable and controllable experimental conditions Consistent cell fabrication for comparative testing |
Selected consumables to support initial experimental operation Compatibility with customer’s in-house material sourcing strategy |
Ⅱ. TOBGROUP Solution
TOBGROUP provided a custom 18650 lithium-ion cylindrical cell lab line, balancing industrial relevance with laboratory flexibility.
Key Solution Components:
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Laboratory Layout & Process Design |
Cell Assembly Equipment |
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Process flow planning aligned with standard cylindrical cell manufacturing Equipment zoning optimized for safety, efficiency, and data collection |
Manual and semi-automatic winding machines for 18650 cells Tab welding and cell assembly stations Electrolyte filling systems designed for laboratory use |
|
Electrode Preparation Equipment |
Formation & Testing |
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Laboratory-scale slurry mixing systems Precision coating machines with adjustable coating parameters Compact drying ovens suitable for R&D environments |
Formation and aging cabinets with programmable profiles Basic performance testing systems for capacity and cycle evaluation |
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Electrode Processing Systems |
On-Site Engineering Support |
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Calendering machines with fine pressure control Slitting machines for electrode width optimization |
Equipment installation and functional validation Process parameter debugging and optimization Operator training and technical documentation delivery |
Ⅲ. Equipment & Materials List
It covers the entire production process of the 18650 lithium-ion cylindrical cell lab line.
| Category | Equipment / Consumables |
| Slurry Preparation | Laboratory Mixer, Vacuum Degassing Unit |
| Electrode Coating | Lab Coating Machine, Drying Oven |
| Electrode Processing | Calendering Machine, Slitting Machine |
| Cell Assembly | 18650 Winding Machine, Tab Welding Machine |
| Electrolyte System | Laboratory Electrolyte Filling Unit |
| Formation & Testing | Formation Cabinet, Aging Cabinet |
| Quality Control | Thickness Gauge, Weight Measurement System |
| Consumables (Partial) | Separators, Electrolyte, Assembly Accessories |
