In the National Lithium Battery Material and Product Quality Inspection Center (referred to as the "National Lithium Battery QC Center") located in Shehong, Suining, Sichuan, high-precision scanning electron microscopes hum in the laboratory. Under the lens, the microstructure of lithium iron phosphate cathode materials is magnified to the nanoscale, revealing every minor defect.
"Previously, when product performance fluctuated, we could only rely on experience to guess. Now, we receive precise test reports the same day, clearly identifying issues and solutions," said an engineer at the center, echoing the sentiment of Suining's lithium battery enterprises. This transformation reflects Suining's concrete measures to build a "quality engine" for the new energy vehicle and power battery industry chain.
Facing the goal of becoming a "Lithium Battery Capital" worth hundreds of billions and addressing the quality improvement needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the chain, Suining has innovatively established a "three-dimensional empowerment system" focusing on "testing breakthroughs, service collaboration, and chain leader guidance." This system translates the strategy of strengthening the industrial chain into actionable solutions for industry pain points.
**National Platform Helps Enterprises "See" Quality Issues** Previously, many SMEs in Suining struggled to afford high-end testing equipment, which often costs millions. Analyzing complex parameters was also challenging due to a lack of technology and talent. The National Lithium Battery QC Center, the first of its kind in western China covering the entire lithium battery industry chain, became the "key solution."
For example, Sichuan Langsheng New Energy Technology Co. faced unstable rate performance in its lithium iron phosphate products, affecting order deliveries. The center promptly conducted scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests and provided a detailed report within days. Following the recommendations, the company stabilized key performance indicators within optimal ranges and shortened R&D cycles by 30%, quickly regaining market competitiveness.
Similar "precision diagnostics" are common in Suining. Tianlai New Energy Technology Co. once struggled with substandard transmittance in its carbon nanotube conductive slurry, hindering entry into mainstream supply chains. The center conducted comprehensive testing and optimization guidance, raising compliance rates from 85% to 98%, enabling the company to secure contracts with power battery manufacturers.
Sichuan Shukuang Huanli Technology Co., specializing in battery recycling, improved metal recovery rates by 12% after the center analyzed components and suggested process enhancements. Since 2025, the center has provided over 600 critical testing services, turning testing technology into tangible competitiveness for enterprises.
**"One-Stop" Platform Weaves an Industry Support Network** After addressing the challenge of "invisible problems," how can the entire industry chain elevate its quality standards? The Suining Quality Infrastructure "One-Stop" Service Center (referred to as the "Service Center") acts as a hub, integrating innovation, certification, branding, and market resources, then delivering them precisely to enterprises, creating a support network covering the entire industrial chain.
For innovation, the center matches enterprises with expert teams to tackle technical bottlenecks. Sichuan Xinlixiang Energy Technology Co. previously struggled with ternary material coating modification, limiting product performance. The center connected the company with a Sichuan University materials science team, jointly developing solutions and converting breakthroughs into patents. This year, the center has assisted enterprises in filing 59 patents, including methods for preparing lithium iron manganese phosphate cathode materials and porous silicon-carbon anode materials.
Quality system certifications and brand-building are also focal points. The center offers training and on-site guidance for standards like IATF 16949 and ISO 9001, helping 19 companies obtain certifications and training nearly 100 internal auditors. Additionally, it supported Liyuan New Materials and Liyang Battery in refining quality management practices, guiding them to apply for the "Sichuan Industrial Quality Benchmark" and enhancing the industry chain's brand value.
To strengthen collaboration across the chain, the center organizes quality management exchanges, promotes local partnerships (generating ¥2.509 billion in procurement), and assists enterprises in 46 "intelligent and digital transformation" projects, reducing barriers and risks in upgrading.
**Industry Leaders Drive Chain-Wide Quality Improvement** The resilience of an industry chain depends on its weakest link. Recognizing this, the Suining Market Supervision Bureau has positioned leading enterprises like Tianqi Lithium and Sichuan Jianghuai as "chain leaders," encouraging them to drive quality improvements across the ecosystem.
At Sichuan Jianghuai, the quality team regularly addresses component issues reported by the market, conducting on-site quality initiatives at supplier facilities. The company successfully resolved recurring problems such as high failure rates in Yunnei Power gas engines and rust in local suppliers' stamped parts. This mentorship not only solves immediate issues but also disseminates advanced quality management methods.
Upstream, Tianqi Lithium led the development of the lithium industry's first international standard, *Lithium Terminology*, establishing a "universal language system" for the global lithium sector and elevating China's influence. Through quality-focused platforms, Tianqi shares best practices, fostering a collaborative ecosystem of "shared quality governance and capability enhancement."
From the National Lithium Battery QC Center's precision diagnostics to the Service Center's networked support and the leadership of chain-leading enterprises, Suining's three-dimensional empowerment system integrates high-quality standards into every link of the industrial chain. As these efforts take root, they lay a solid foundation for Suining's vision of becoming a "Lithium Battery Capital."
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