For the first time, the German Fuel Cell Cooperation (GFC) will present a highly productive, interface-tuned complete line for the production of metallic bipolar plates at the f-cell 2022. The event will take place in Stuttgart from 4 to 5 October 2022 and the GFC will exhibit at booth 2D17 in hall 2.
By combining their respective competencies, the three companies VON ARDENNE (Dresden), Weil Technology (Müllheim) and ZELTWANGER (Tübingen), as partners in the GFC, offer manufacturers of fuel cell systems and electrolyzers fully comprehensive know-how for the efficient production of metallic bipolar plates.
The concept of a fully coordinated production line plays a pioneering role in the market. And, with an annual production capacity of several million bipolar plates, it serves the current needs of the industry.
The long-standing expertise of the three mechanical engineering companies covers all process steps. And the joint development and careful coordination of the line concept enables smooth transitions at the interfaces of the individual production steps. To this end, the line processes pre-stamped half-plates made of stainless steel or titanium. In a first step, these are welded into bipolar plates, then leak-tested and given a PVD coating to functionalize the surface.
With their extensive joint knowledge of the complex value chain and high degree of specialization in the sub-processes, the three GFC companies develop a customized production line together with their customers. These specification-compliant production lines optimally integrate the various customer-specific approaches.
VON ARDENNE contributes its expertise in the construction of vacuum coating systems used to functionalize surfaces of metal strip (pre-coating) or bipolar plates (post-coating). Weil Technology is an experienced supplier of equipment in the field of laser cutting and laser welding of metallic bipolar plates. ZELTWANGER provides the equipment for automated assembly and testing processes as well as leak testing into the production chain.
