KNS Secures Order for 46-Series Cylindrical Secondary Battery Automation Development Equipment

KNS (KNS, CEO Jeong Bong-jin), a manufacturer of automation equipment for secondary battery CID, BMA, and CAP, announced on the 12th through a public disclosure that it has secured an order for 46-series cylindrical automation development equipment.

KNS signed a contract with Company A for the supply of ‘46-series cylindrical secondary battery rivet development equipment,’ successfully securing new order backlog. This contract is valued at approximately 3.6 billion KRW, about 11.97% of recent sales revenue.

The product KNS will deliver under this order contract is the 46-series rivet equipment. Unlike the 2170 battery, which currently welds and joins the CAP only on the top of the cylindrical can, the 46-series adds component manufacturing processes to both the top and bottom of the cylindrical can. At this time, unlike the 2170 battery, an additional component manufacturing process is added at the bottom to block external leakage of electrolyte and connect the current, and the equipment used at this stage is the rivet equipment. The company secured this order contract based on its prior experience in pioneering research and development of automation equipment that bonds insulators (+ pole components) on the top.

When Tesla announced the development plan for the 4680 cylindrical battery, the 46-series attracted attention as the next-generation battery. The 46-series is a cylindrical battery with a diameter of 46 mm, characterized as a next-generation battery with five times the capacity and six times the output compared to the currently widely used 2170 (diameter 21 mm, height 70 mm). Following Tesla, global major automakers such as BMW and General Motors (GM) are focusing on medium-to-large cylindrical batteries, and the 46-series is expected to grow significantly in the secondary battery market in the future.

To respond to this market situation, KNS has proactively researched and developed equipment related to the 46-series from an early stage. The 46-series rivet equipment developed by the company is designed and manufactured to be applicable not only to the 4680 (diameter 46 mm, height 80 mm) but also to various battery forms such as 4690 and 4695, providing the advantage of avoiding risks due to specification changes. In addition, the company has proactively researched and developed various equipment such as battery anode/cathode current collector vision inspectors and CID assemblers and has a track record of delivery. In particular, the 46-series rivet equipment for China, which has already been ordered, is being produced with the goal of delivery in the first half of this year.

Jeong Bong-jin, CEO of KNS, said, “The 46-series rivet equipment is a process not present in the existing 2170 battery, requiring advanced technology, quality, and high production speed, so this order will be a great opportunity to lead the emerging 46-series equipment market.” He added, “The company will maximize its equipment development and manufacturing capabilities and continuously anticipate market trends to establish itself as a global automation equipment company.”