The new Bühler continuous mixer, which utilises Bühler’s extensive knowledge and experience in the field of twin-screw extrusion technology,  will bring significant flexibility to UKBIC’s new manufacturing capabilities, supporting both slurry and dry mixing applications on the facility’s Flexible Pilot Line (FPL). 

This new installation builds on UKBIC’s existing batch mixing technologies, ensuring seamless process integration and superior product quality. The system also features Bühler’s inline quality control expert system, QuaLiB, which ensures precise real-time monitoring, optimises production efficiency, and minimises material waste. The new continuous mixing line is a key part of the facility’s new FPL, which, once opened later in the year, will bridge the gap between UKBIC’s existing Industrial Scale-up line and kilogram scale demonstrator lines already available.

Colin Mitchell, Director of Corporate Projects at UKBIC, said: "Once operational, this new line will mark a major step forward in UKBIC’s capabilities, further enabling us to support the UK's growing battery manufacturing industry. This new mixing line, as part of our FPL, will help open up our facility to even more companies who want to test out their chemistries and processes, at a smaller scale and lower cost."

Continuous mixing offers significant advantages over traditional batch mixing, including enhanced process stability, improved throughput, and reduced energy consumption. These benefits make it an essential technology for high-volume electrode slurry production, which is vital for the growing demand in electric vehicle and energy storage applications.

“At Bühler, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions that drive efficiency and sustainability in battery manufacturing,” said Adrian Spillmann, Head of Market Segment Battery Electrode Compounds at Bühler. “Our continuous mixing technology enables a streamlined and highly controlled production process, reducing waste and improving quality. Working with UKBIC on the twin-screw extrusion mixer reinforces our role in shaping the future of battery production and supporting the industry's transition to scalable and cost-effective solutions.”

This project between Bühler and UKBIC will help support the UK’s ambitions for a sustainable and competitive battery industry, paving the way for future advancements in a range of sectors, including energy storage, mobility solutions and energy storage.