Battery Manufacturing EquipmentContinuous electrode calender for 4680 process development
This TOB continuous roller press calenders electrode web roll to roll. TOB markets it for 4680 tabless cell development. It has two horizontal rollers, a constant-pressure pump station and PLC touchscreen control, takes substrates 150–580 mm wide and runs up to 30 m/min. It suits pilot lines pressing coated electrode to a target density.
Rollers, speed and web handling
TOB describes two horizontal rollers, a constant-pressure pump station, PLC and touchscreen control, and matched line speeds on the upper and lower rollers. Top speed is 30 m/min. The substrate table gives a width range of 150–580 mm and lists aluminium and copper foil, with an upper thickness of 1.5 mm. Ask TOB whether that 1.5 mm refers to bare foil, coated electrode or something else.
Unwinding uses a 76 mm expanding shaft with a 580 mm span. The feed has a stainless-steel table and a pneumatically lifted hold-down plate, and a photoelectric web guide corrects position over up to 100 mm. TOB gives no model code and no finished-electrode thickness tolerance.
| Parameter | Published value | Record status |
|---|---|---|
| Published substrate width | 150–580 mm | known |
| Catalogue maximum speed | 30 m/min | known |
| Unwinding shaft diameter | 76 mm | known |
| Published correction travel maximum | 100 mm | known |
Catalogue values apply to the configuration and test method the maker states. Ask for the values that apply to your configuration.
Source references: s1
Tension figures in two different units
TOB lists a magnetic-powder brake adjustable over 2.3–20 kg and, separately, a constant-tension setting of 0–50 N. The two use different quantities, so the real working range is not clear from the catalogue.
Ask for the tension control diagram, where the sensor sits, the brake rating and the web-force range in newtons. Ask for the tension at the smallest and largest roll diameters. Settle the substrate thickness question at the same time, before you rely on the catalogue to accept your coated electrode.
Source references: s1
Trial thickness and density across the web
Specify the incoming coat weight, dried-electrode thickness, target porosity or density and the substrate properties. Measure across the width and along the roll once pressure and tension have settled. The top transport speed and the speed that holds your density and edge quality are separate figures.
Include start-up, stopping and a roll change in the acceptance plan. Check for cracking, foil stretch, wrinkles and rewind quality, along with the thickness reading at the centre. Ask for the roll face dimensions, gap control and maintenance needs; TOB calls the press high-precision, so ask for the tolerance in numbers on your electrode after rolling.
TOB's profile lists the coaters and slitters that sit either side of this calender in a lab line.
Calendered rolls are then slit, for example on the TOB FT-500 slitter.
Buying guidance from BatteryEquip.
Questions that change the purchase
| Decision | What the catalogue says | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Does the substrate table fit your electrode? | The catalogue gives 150–580 mm width and an upper thickness of 1.5 mm with no explanation. | Send the coated-electrode drawing and get a clarified incoming-material range. |
| What tension can the web system control? | The catalogue lists 2.3–20 kg for the brake and 0–50 N for constant tension. | Ask for a tension control diagram and one web-force range in newtons. |
| Which speed meets your output target? | The catalogue gives 30 m/min as the top speed. | Trial thickness, density, defects and rewinding at your planned speed. |
Equipment questions
Does the 4680 label mean a full tabless process?
No. The machine performs continuous electrode rolling. Tab forming, electrode cutting, winding and later assembly need their own machines and trials. Choose the calender for your web and the pressing result you need, and plan the rest of a 4680 line separately.
Source s1Prepare the supplier conversation
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Sources and check dates
The maker's own pages and public records used for this page, each with the date it was checked.
s1 · Continuous electrode calender for 4680 process development — original equipment page
TOB · Manufacturer-origin source
TOB's product page for the continuous calender, with roller layout, speed, substrate table, unwind, web guide and tension figures.
Archived source check: 2026-10-11
s2 · TOB manufacturer equipment catalogue
TOB · Manufacturer-origin source
TOB's equipment catalogue, listing this calender among its electrode preparation machines.
Archived source check: 2026-10-11
Still to confirm
- The web tension range in newtons, given the 2.3–20 kg and 0–50 N figures.
- What the 1.5 mm substrate thickness figure refers to.
- Model code and roll face dimensions.
- Thickness and density tolerance on your electrode at your chosen speed.
Continuous electrode calendering with web feed and tension control
- Incoming foil and coated-electrode dimensions
- Density or porosity and finished-thickness test methods
- Roll face, gap and pressure control setup
- Tension sensor and brake setup in newtons
- Speed trial including start-up and roll change