Part 7/10:
Next comes a classification step to ensure uniformity in particle size, which is critical for the battery's performance metrics, such as energy density and charge rate. This process is unique in how it facilitates the recycling of waste particles back into the production loop, further maximizing efficiency.
Kilns and Heating: A Critical Step
The following stage comprises a kiln or furnace where the blended particles are heated and crystallized—a process known as calcination. Tesla's recent equipment installations suggest they might be utilizing saggar kilns or rotary furnaces, each having differing operational efficiencies and benefits— from the traditional methods to more contemporary approaches that could mitigate dust contamination.