GI Tech Expands from Slot-Die to Rechargeable Battery 'Notching Die' Market

[Financial News] GI Tech has developed modular and segmented notching die solutions (hereafter referred to as notching die) that overcome the limitations of conventional integrated structures in the 'notching' process, a core step in rechargeable battery electrode manufacturing.
GI Tech announced on the 28th that major domestic and international rechargeable battery companies have adopted its notching die and are currently conducting final reliability tests.
Since its founding in 1990, GI Tech has leveraged over 30 years of accumulated expertise in precision machining and surface treatment. Building on its flagship slot-die products, the company has now entered the notching die sector, expanding its portfolio of key rechargeable battery components. After more than two years of research and development, the notching die is expected to contribute to GI Tech's revenue starting next year.
A GI Tech representative stated, "The global rechargeable battery industry is increasingly focused on production efficiency and manufacturing cost reduction." The spokesperson added, "In particular, the notching process, which is the final step in electrode production, is a highly advanced technology area that determines both the quality and production speed of battery cells."
The representative continued, "We have already proven our technical capabilities in the slot-die and Coater Station parts markets, based on more than 30 years of precision machining expertise." They emphasized, "This new notching die represents a vertical expansion of our precision parts business and will further enhance the company’s growth potential."
In 2023, GI Tech entered the process equipment sector by supplying notching equipment to major domestic rechargeable battery manufacturers. Building on this experience, the company aims to expand its market dominance with its new notching die.
Notably, GI Tech has dramatically improved productivity and operating costs for its notching die by implementing modular and segmented design structures, as well as press stabilization and eco-friendly dry process technologies. The modular and segmented design fundamentally addresses the structural limitations of traditional integrated dies. By dividing and managing the die into precise modules, only the defective module needs to be replaced if a problem arises.
As a result, downtime for die replacement and maintenance can be reduced by more than 70%, significantly enhancing production stability. Additionally, avoiding unnecessary full replacements leads to further operational cost savings.
Press stabilization and eco-friendly dry process technologies have also been applied. To maintain micrometer-level precision even in high-speed production environments, an 'auto-balance' system was introduced. The weight of the die has been reduced to one-third of previous models, lessening the load on press equipment. By adopting a dry process that eliminates the need for punching oil, which is detrimental to die durability, annual operating costs per production line can be reduced by hundreds of millions of won.
GI Tech is currently conducting reliability tests of its notching die with major domestic rechargeable battery companies. The company plans to apply these products to rechargeable battery mass production lines starting next year. The domestic notching die market is valued at approximately 150 billion won annually. GI Tech aims to secure a market share of over 20%.
Furthermore, GI Tech intends to expand its notching die supply to overseas markets. To meet growing demand in North America, the company is building a production base in Crown Point, Indiana. Construction progress has surpassed 30%, with mass production scheduled to begin in April next year. In addition to the existing Electric Vehicle (EV) market, GI Tech plans to proactively respond to the rapidly growing Energy Storage System (ESS) sector and increase its global market share.
Lee In-young, Chairman of GI Tech, stated, "Our more than 30 years of accumulated expertise in precision machining has been the foundation for this notching die innovation." He added, "Expanding into the notching die market, following our success with slot-die, is the result of over two years of R&D and customer-tailored design."
He further noted, "Once reliability testing is complete, this will become another key growth driver starting next year." He added, "By improving client operating rates and manufacturing cost competitiveness, we will enhance shareholder value."

butter@fnnews.com Kang Kyung-rae Reporter