Toward a Standardized Classification of Surface Defects in the Coating and Drying Processes of Lithium‐Ion Battery Electrode Manufacturing

High scrap rates are a key challenge for industrial lithium‐ion battery production. The coating and drying process is particularly scrap‐intensive due to surface defects; therefore, precise defect control is necessary as part of quality assurance. The lack of standardization in defect description and classification complicates the use of automated inspection technologies, leads to inconsistent decisions regarding scrap, and hinders the development of specific troubleshooting strategies. In this work, we introduce a comprehensive multilayer defect catalog that systematically identifies and describes specific surface defects that occur during the coating and drying processes. To establish a robust framework for subsequent investigations, a literature review was conducted in the initial phase. In the next step, graphite‐based electrodes were manufactured at pilot scale under conditions comparable to commercial production at reduced throughput. Defects that occurred during the process were detected using an inline surface inspection system, while a digital optical microscope enabled detailed postprocess analysis. The developed catalog includes a comprehensive database of common defect types, providing detailed specifications of features such as exact dimensions and height profiles, as well as the possibility for future expansion.