In the manufacture of new energy power batteries and energy storage equipment, film lamination on aerogel insulation sheets is a critical process. Because aerogel is thin, soft, and easily deformed, conventional equipment tends to wrinkle or misalign the material during conveying and lamination. Choosing the right labeling equipment for these special materials is a challenge for many manufacturers.

Aerogel labeling challenges and our approach

Aerogel panels have an unusual friction coefficient and lack sufficient rigidity. On a conventional conveyor, the material easily stretches or wrinkles under uneven force. Bonding flame-retardant fiber film to the aerogel surface also requires even pressure control. For applications that need adhesive film applied precisely to a soft substrate, this type of equipment is technically a demanding form of double-sided tape applicator: instead of rigid roller or belt conveying, it must use vacuum-assisted conveying to eliminate material deformation and labeling defects at the root.

WZ-171 automatic aerogel labeling machine: technical overview

To address these challenges, Wanzhi Automation developed the WZ-171 automatic aerogel labeling machine. A series of technical innovations enable high-precision automated lamination of thin, lightweight materials:

  • Vacuum-assisted conveying system: a dedicated automatic feeding platform uses vacuum suction to support the material throughout conveying, so thin aerogel does not slip or wrinkle, keeping labeling error within ±0.3 mm.
  • High-rigidity frame: a heavy-duty extended one-piece stainless steel line frame weighing 280 kg keeps the machine free of vibration at high speed and meets round-the-clock production requirements.
  • Wide format compatibility: a modular adjustable structure accommodates aerogel panels up to 610 mm wide, and panel thickness, width, and labeling stroke can be customized and adjusted quickly to the customer’s actual specifications.
  • Automatic collection: labeled products slide automatically into a collection hopper, and a separate touch-screen industrial PC enables visual storage and recall of parameters, greatly reducing manual intervention.

Selection points and application advice

When choosing a dedicated tape applicator of this kind, companies should focus on three things: first, the stability of the vacuum suction system, which directly determines label flatness; second, the weight and rigidity of the frame, which underpins long-term accuracy; and third, how easy the parameters are to adjust, so frequent changeovers between product formats are practical. Purpose-built for the new energy and new materials industry, the WZ-171 is already used on production lines for power battery insulation, energy storage, pipe insulation, and automotive fire and heat insulation materials, and is an ideal choice for improving aerogel lamination yield and capacity.

FAQ

How do I prevent surface wrinkling when labeling aerogel?

Wrinkling is usually caused by uneven force during conveying or by unsupported material. Choose a machine with a vacuum suction conveying system that supports the material throughout to eliminate tensile stress and keep the surface flat.

How thick an aerogel panel can the machine handle?

The WZ-171 uses a modular, adjustable structure. Labeling stroke, conveying pressure, and frame dimensions can all be customized to the length, width, and thickness of the customer’s panels, giving a wide compatibility range.

Is changeover between product formats complicated?

Not at all. A separate touch-screen industrial PC lets core parameters such as conveying speed, labeling pressure, and label length be stored visually and recalled with one touch, making changeover quick and easy.

Written by Wanzhi Automation