Test centre for processing critical raw materials and battery materials

Hosokawa Alpine, manufacturer of machines and systems for powder and particle processing, has built a test centre for processing critical materials, particularly battery materials. One focus is on the recycling of cathode and anode materials. At the same time, the company is also developing machine technology for processing battery materials and hazardous substances that is precisely tailored to individual product requirements. The first product tests can now be carried out in the new test centre May.

Some battery active materials are based on critical raw materials such as lithium, nickel, manganese and cobalt, some of which have to be sourced via complex supply chains. To enable the reuse of these raw materials, the recycling of valuable battery materials is becoming increasingly important. However, special safety measures are required for the recycling process of NMC battery materials. Hosokawa Alpine's test centre in Augsburg has not yet been able to provide this to a sufficient extent. With the ON product line and the associated focus on the battery sector, there was an urgent need for action: Hosokawa Alpine decided to set up a special test centre for the processing of critical raw materials (CRM) and battery materials and for the recycling of coated electrode foils. There, the company offers its customers the opportunity to test selected mills for battery applications. The safety and health of employees and environmental protection are the company’s top priorities. "We are delighted to make a valuable contribution to the further development of LiOH batteries with our innovative machine solutions - Made in Germany - together with the customer," says Dr Steffen Sander, Head of R&D Powder & Particle Processing at Hosokawa Alpine. 

The new test centre houses various tried-and-tested machines from Hosokawa Alpine: mills for pre-grinding critical materials, mills for fine grinding and ultra-fine classifiers. They all play a crucial role in the process developed by Hosokawa Alpine for the recycling of active materials. "The new test centre is equipped to test and process other critical materials in addition to raw materials for the production of batteries," says Sander.