Z Shaped Semi Automatic Stacking Machine

Product Overview

This semi-automatic Z-stacking system is designed for assembling lithium-ion battery cell stacks from positive electrodes, negative electrodes, and roll-fed separator material. Operators manually load electrode sheets, while the equipment automatically positions, vacuum-picks, and layers the sheets in a controlled Z-shaped sequence. Its combination of automated handling and fixture-based adjustment provides an efficient, repeatable route to high-quality sample stack formation.

The equipment is particularly suited to stacked-cell lithium-ion battery R&D, prototype development, and sample preparation. It accommodates electrode widths from 40 to 90 mm and electrode lengths from 40 to 100 mm, allowing laboratories to adapt the positioning fixtures for different cell formats within the stated adjustment range. The desktop architecture also enables use inside a glovebox where controlled-atmosphere cell assembly is required.

Built around PLC control, HMI operation, pulse-motor lateral motion, and automatic separator-tension management, this unit addresses the alignment consistency required during multilayer stacking. It can set stacking quantities up to 100 layers and provides defined performance for both conventional electrode sheets and metallic lithium, supporting demanding laboratory workflows without relying on manual separator placement between every layer.

Key Features

• Automated Z-Shaped Stacking: The system performs Z-shaped stacking with roll-form separator material, automatically pulling and placing the separator as the electrode stack is built. This approach supports an orderly, repeatable layer sequence for stacked lithium-ion cells.

• Servo Constant-Tension Separator Control: Roll-fed separator material is managed by automatic servo constant-tension control. Controlled separator handling helps maintain stable material feed during the stacking cycle and avoids requiring manual separator placement between electrode layers.

• Automatic Vacuum Pick-and-Place: After manual electrode loading, the robotic mechanism uses a vacuum suction cup to pick and stack the sheets automatically. Specified vacuum performance is better than -65 Kpa, supporting reliable sheet handling during automated placement.

• Defined Layer Alignment Capability: The equipment delivers stack neatness of ≤±0.3 mm for relative electrode position at a 25-layer stack. This controlled positional relationship is important where electrode overlap and consistent stack geometry are central to prototype-cell assembly.

• Programmable Stack Quantity: The number of stacked layers can be preset and automatically controlled, with a maximum setting of 100 layers. This enables laboratories to prepare different stack designs while retaining a repeatable, programmed stopping point.

• Adjustable Positioning Fixtures: A compatibility-oriented fixture design allows battery-size changes to be accommodated through positioning-fixture adjustment. The broad adjustment capability supports the specified electrode dimensional range while maintaining stacking accuracy across different sample formats.

• Precision Pulse-Motor Lateral Motion: Left-right movement is controlled by a pulse motor for precise travel and convenient fine adjustment. This arrangement gives operators a practical means to establish the required sheet position before repeated automatic stacking.

• PLC and HMI Control Interface: PLC control with HMI operation provides a direct interface for operating the system and managing stacking settings. The control arrangement is designed for convenient use and maintenance in laboratory environments.

• Glovebox-Compatible Desktop Design: The compact desktop structure can be placed in a glovebox. This makes the unit suitable for workflows involving atmosphere-sensitive materials, including metallic lithium, while preserving automated stacking functionality.

• Support for Electrode and Metallic Lithium Stacking: The unit is specified for electrode stacking at 4–6 seconds per sheet and metallic lithium stacking at 6–8 seconds per sheet, excluding preparation time for each cell. This gives R&D teams defined cycle-time guidance for different material types.

Applications

Technical Specifications

Why Choose This Product

• Purpose-built for research-scale Z stacking: The combination of manual electrode loading and automatic vacuum pick-and-place gives laboratories controlled automation where it is most valuable in the stack-building sequence.

• Consistency-focused separator handling: Automatic servo constant-tension control and roll-form separator feeding provide a more controlled process than manually introducing separator material layer by layer.

• Practical format flexibility: Adjustable positioning fixtures accommodate supported electrode-size changes, while preset layer control supports stack designs up to 100 layers and 15 mm thickness.

• Designed for precise laboratory setup: Pulse-motor lateral movement enables fine adjustment, and the specified ≤±0.3 mm neatness performance at 25 layers provides a concrete reference for stack registration.

• Ready for controlled-atmosphere workflows: Its desktop structure can be installed in a glovebox, making it a practical choice for laboratory procedures involving metallic lithium and other atmosphere-sensitive cell components.

Contact us for a quote or to discuss a stacking solution configured around your supported electrode dimensions, separator roll arrangement, and laboratory power requirements.

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