Echion Technologies is the first to use the new FPL line from UKBIC
Echion Technologies, a developer of niobium anodes for Lithium-ion batteries, has become the first company to use the new Flexible Pilot Line (FPL) from the UK Battery Industrialisation Centre (UKBIC)
The FPL closes the gap between lab-scale research and full-scale production, offering organisations a more agile route to market in comparison to UKBIC's larger Industrial Scale-up Line (ISL).
Sean Gilgunn, UKBIC’s managing director, said, “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Echion onto the FPL as the line’s first user. They’re an exciting company and a perfect example of the sort of business that’ll be able to benefit most from the FPL. We’ve got more customers lined up, and expect the FPL to be very popular, and are looking forward to working closely with Echion as they look to develop their technology further.”
Echion will provide materials to UKBIC for manufacturing anodes based on Echion's own design. Engineers from the company will work with UKBIC's expert teams to determine how the FPL can be used to accelerate the process and reduce risk as they take their technology from pilot scale to commercial production.
Phillip Johns, head of Cell Development, said, “UKBIC’s FPL is perfect for our needs in that it’s quick, easy and comparatively inexpensive to produce anode at a scale we require. We’re excited to be the first company on the line and are keen to see what the FPL can do.”
The FPL is the latest addition to UKBIC's suite of battery manufacturing capabilities, allowing faster iteration and more versatile electrode development for customers across the battery supply chain. These include the Battery Development Laboratory (BDL), the Cell Cycling facility, and the Clean and Dry Zone.
