Cathode Drum

1.What Is the Role of the Cathode Drum in Lithium Battery Copper Foil Production?
The cathode roller is one of the most critical components in the process of producing electrolytic copper foil, particularly for use in new energy lithium-ion batteries. The cathode roller’s performance directly impacts the quality and uniformity of the copper foil, which in turn affects the efficiency and energy storage capacity of the batteries. At Hongtian Technology Co., Ltd., we recognize the significance of this role and manufacture cathode rollers designed to meet the highest standards of precision and durability.
During the electrodeposition process, the cathode drum serves as the surface upon which copper is plated from the electrolyte. The copper ions are deposited onto the titanium drum’s surface, which forms the copper foil. This process requires that the cathode roller be of the highest quality, as any imperfections or inconsistencies in the roller surface can result in defects such as pinholes, irregular copper thickness, or surface scratches. These defects would negatively affect the performance of the foil, which is crucial in the energy storage applications for lithium-ion batteries.
To ensure optimal performance, Hongtian Technology Co., Ltd. engineers its cathode rollers to the tightest tolerances, ensuring uniform deposition of copper. Our cathode drums are constructed using TA1-grade titanium, known for its high corrosion resistance and ability to withstand the extreme conditions of the electroplating environment. The roller’s surface is finely engineered to ensure smoothness and accuracy, offering a high-quality surface finish with Ra0.3μm precision. This minimizes defects and ensures that the resulting copper foil is of the highest quality, free from imperfections that could affect battery performance.

2.How Do the Specifications and Parameters of the Cathode Drum Affect Production?
The specifications and parameters of the cathode drum are integral to its performance in the electroplating process. At Hongtian Technology Co., Ltd., we offer a wide range of customizable cathode rollers to meet the specific needs of our customers, ensuring that the copper foil produced is of optimal quality and meets the precise requirements of different applications.
One of the critical parameters is the diameter and width of the cathode drum. Our cathode rollers come in various sizes, including diameters ranging from φ1500mm to φ3600mm and widths ranging from 1000mm to 2000mm. These sizes provide flexibility for different production scales, allowing manufacturers to choose a cathode roller that best fits their electroplating equipment and production requirements. For instance, larger diameters and widths are suitable for high-volume production lines, while smaller sizes may be used in smaller-scale operations or for producing specialized copper foil.
Another important specification is the titanium ring material, which is TA1-grade titanium. The use of high-quality titanium is crucial for ensuring durability and corrosion resistance during the electroplating process. Titanium’s inherent properties make it ideal for withstanding the harsh conditions in the electrolytic bath, which includes exposure to highly corrosive chemicals and high electrical currents. The titanium ring thickness is set to a minimum of 10mm, ensuring that the roller maintains its structural integrity over time, even under heavy use.
The static balance of the cathode roller is another critical factor that influences its performance. At Hongtian Technology Co., Ltd., we ensure that the cathode roller has a static balance of less than 3N.m, which is crucial to avoid any vibrations during the electroplating process. Vibration can cause inconsistencies in the copper foil deposition, leading to defects and reducing the overall quality of the foil. By maintaining a high static balance, we ensure smooth, stable operation of the cathode roller, which contributes to the production of high-quality copper foil.
The grain size of the titanium used in our cathode rollers is also an essential parameter. We use titanium with a grain size grade of ASTM ≥ 9.5, which ensures excellent mechanical properties, such as strength and resistance to wear. This high-quality material ensures that the cathode drum performs optimally throughout its service life, contributing to consistent production and reducing the need for frequent maintenance or replacement.

3.How Does the Precision of the Cathode Drum Ensure High-Quality Copper Foil?
The precision of the cathode roller is crucial for ensuring that copper is deposited evenly and consistently, resulting in high-quality copper foil. At Hongtian Technology Co., Ltd., we focus on maintaining the highest levels of precision in every aspect of our cathode rollers, from the coaxiality to the straightness and surface finish.
One of the key aspects of precision is the coaxiality of the cathode roller arc, which is maintained to a tolerance of ± 0.05mm. This ensures that the copper plating process is uniform across the entire surface of the roller, preventing any variations in the foil thickness. Even a small misalignment in the arc could lead to uneven copper deposition, which would result in foil with inconsistencies that could impact its performance in lithium-ion batteries. By maintaining precise coaxiality, we ensure that copper foil production remains consistent and of the highest quality.
The straightness of the cathode roller is also critical. Our cathode rollers are manufactured with a straightness tolerance of ± 0.05mm, ensuring that the roller remains perfectly aligned during the electroplating process. Any bending or deviation in the straightness of the roller can lead to variations in tension across the roller, which can result in defects in the copper foil, such as uneven thickness or improper copper distribution. With such precise straightness, Hongtian Technology Co., Ltd. ensures that our cathode rollers perform optimally, producing flawless copper foil every time.
The surface finish of the cathode roller is another area where precision is essential. Our rollers have a surface roughness of Ra0.3μm, which is extremely smooth and free from defects such as scratches, pinholes, or indentations. A smooth surface is necessary for ensuring that copper is evenly deposited during the electroplating process, as any imperfections in the surface could disrupt the copper deposition and result in defects in the final foil. By ensuring a smooth and defect-free surface, Hongtian Technology Co., Ltd. ensures that the copper foil produced is of the highest quality and meets the demanding standards of the lithium-ion battery industry.