Etched fuel cell bipolar plates
- Elcon offers bipolar flow field plates in a variety of metals with complex and precise liquid and gas flow channels.
- The photo etching process is a subtractive method that removes metal from both sides of the plates simultaneously, so complex channels of different designs can be etched at the same time.
- Unlike other processes, chemical etching imparts no mechanical or thermal stress on the plates, both of which can compromise stack bonding and fluid flow.
- Quick, low-cost digital tooling: We use digital pattern tooling, which is low-cost, quick to produce and can be adapted easily to optimize designs. Because it is optically based, there is no incremental cost with increased design complexity or features.
- To reduce cost and production time as well as meet design specifications, certain features such as channels can be photochemically etched, while others can be CNC machined in house. If plates need to be stacked together, we offer brazing and bonding services.
- The geometric complexity and close tolerances offered by our photochemical etching process not only make it a desirable manufacturing method, but in some instances, the only technology suitable for fine featured designs.
Features
- Removes metal from both sides of the plates simultaneously.
- Burr-free & stress-free process ensures a flat and smooth surface for stacking.
- Channel accuracy to ±0.020 mm.
- Channels can have near vertical walls and flat bottoms with feature sizes determined only by material thickness.
- Multiple etch levels can be achieved.
- Low-cost digital tooling can be changed quickly and inexpensively to optimize
designs. - Increased design flexibility and complexity with no incremental cost.
- Dimensional repeatability.
- Volumes from rapid prototyping to full production.
Simplified photochemical etching process
Applications
- Hydrolyzers
- Electrolyzers
- Fuel cell plates
Contact us
- Interested? Please contact the vendor by filling in the contact vendor form.