Machining Center For Fuel-Cell Mold Plates

The company says its V-Series die/mold machinery is helpful for manufacturing molds for fuel-cell power stack separator plate membranes. Depth accuracy within ±2 microns and a surface finish quality of 0.4 microns can be achieved on the machines in 40 HRC steel, both of which are important to making such membrane component molds, the company says.

These membranes establish the proper electrochemical conversion process to convert hydrogen and oxygen from the air into water. The process flow then produces electricity and heat, especially when configured in a fuel-cell stack via a reformer, which controls and regulates the hydrogen for safety.

Such an electrolyte or proton-exchange membrane separates and buffers the negatively charged anodes repelling electrons, and the positively charged cathodes attracting electrons. The membrane allows the positive electrons to flow through it to the cathode side of the fuel-cell stack, generating electricity. While combustible fuels burn and standard batteries store electrical energy as chemical energy and convert it back again, a fuel-cell stack provides direct current power.

These machines provide smooth machined surfaces even in high-federate machining of 3D shapes involving continuously tiny blocks of NC data, according to the company. The technology maintains accuracy and is said to produce finishes that only a machine designed specifically for die/mold applications can provide.