Jinmoo Lee, Sales Manager, Kanthal KoreaThe anode and cathode work in tandem to ensure a lithium-ion battery delivers optimal performance. As battery technology advances, manufacturers must continuously refine anode material production to support higher energy density, faster charging, and extended cycle life.
“The importance of anode material is rising as manufacturers try to achieve the highest quality,” says Jinmoo Lee, Sales Manager for Kanthal Korea. “Because of the high demand for lithium-ion batteries, anode manufacturing is continuous, so the manufacturing processes must be reliable.”
An industry in transition
From a manufacturer’s perspective, the most important factors are long life for heating elements and minimal maintenance. The less production is disrupted, the better.
Graphite, natural and artificial, is a common source of anode material, produced using roller kilns. A key challenge in this process is the high amount of carbon in the atmosphere, which is detrimental to the heating elements and typically limits their lifespan to three to four months. As a result, many manufacturers are increasingly turning to silicon-based anode material. However, it is highly flammable and must be produced using rotary kilns.
“The situation is very uncertain at the moment because every company has its technology preference,” says Jinmoo Lee. “But regardless of the material base, from a manufacturer’s perspective, the most important factors are long life for heating elements and minimal maintenance. The less production is disrupted, the better.”
Working with experienced partners
With the industry still learning about the most efficient production methods for anode material, Kanthal is drawing on its technologies and expertise to find the best heating solutions.
For graphite-based anode production, Kanthal’s Globar® HD SiC heating elements with Globar® Glass Seal can be used in roller kilns– proven to last more than eight months – twice as long as conventional heating elements. This is due to their glazed, high-density material, which makes them more durable. For silicon-based anode production, where temperature demands are lower, Kanthal can offer Tubothal® metallic elements.
“Not only can we supply a reliable heating solution, but we can also help custom-design the heating elements to suit each customer,” says Jinmoo Lee. “This is because of a long history of working with heating solutions, which is unmatched in the industry. Together with our ongoing technical support, this can help manufacturers achieve longer lifetimes in their heating elements and fewer stops for maintenance.”
Benefits to using Kanthal heating solutions
- Longer element lifetimes - Up to twice as long with Globar® HD SiC heating elements with Globar® Glass Seal in graphite-based anode material production.
- Extensive industry expertise – Decades of experience in industrial heating solutions.
- Comprehensive technical support – Expert guidance to support critical processes.
- Broadest range of heating elements – Tailored solutions for various furnace types.
- Global presence – Robust manufacturing and distribution networks across Europe, Asia, and the US.
- Shorter lead times – High production capacity and efficient logistics.
- Expanding manufacturing capabilities – Investing in increased production capacity to support the rising global demand.
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