Bipolar plates for fuel cells
Thanks to our precision and ability to etch even the finest geometries, we can manufacture metal parts that meet these requirements exactly.
Etched bipolar plates for fuel cells
To reduce the CO2 emissions of vehicles, there are various alternative drive options. One of these is the fuel cell, which, for example, generates energy through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water as a by-product.
Compared with conventional internal combustion engines, fuel cells place far higher demands on air sealing and supply. At a constant pressure level, the air must be completely free of particles in order to increase the service life of the sensitive fuel cell.
Your benefits
at a glance
- Implementation of complex designs (channel structures)
- Cost-effective tool manufacturing / design iterations
- Burr-free, stress-free, clean and flat
- Processing thick base materials and thinning them down
- Channels with a depth of 325 µm in 400-µm material
- Wide variety of metal types
Photochemical etching process for precision metal parts
Photochemical etching produces highly precise metal components with the finest structures and complex geometries. The technology works with extremely tight tolerances, the thinnest sheet metals, and burr-free results. This makes it possible to manufacture components that are often not feasible with other processes. The finest structures are worked directly out of thin sheet metal. The process is characterized by excellent reproducibility, high precision, and industrial scalability.
In photochemical etching, metal is structured using a precise lithography and etching process.
The finest contours are created directly from thin sheet metal. The process enables complex geometries without mechanically stressing the material.
The result is stress-free, burr-free components with very high dimensional accuracy.
Our etching process offers virtually unlimited design freedom.
Photo-etching can be used to create a wide range of structures—for example:
• Filtered structures
• See-through structures
• Sharp and smooth edges
• Channelled geometries
The specially developed mask technology also allows the etching progress to be controlled in the third dimension.
This creates defined breakthrough geometries and complex components—for example, for lancets, scalpels, or blades in high-volume production.
Photochemical etching enables maximum precision while maintaining high production capacity.
Typical features of the technology:
• Extremely tight tolerances in the hundredths of a millimetre range
• Finest structures and thinnest metals
• High reproducibility of results
• Industrial high-volume production possible
The combination of precise lithography and industrial production technology ensures stable processes and cost-effective manufacturing.
In reel-to-reel etching, metal parts are manufactured continuously in an endless strip.
The components are then available as metal strips wound onto reels and can be further processed automatically.
Typical characteristics:
• Metal strip thicknesses of approx. 25 µm to 400 µm
• Easy integration into automated manufacturing processes
• Defined markings or codings possible
The components can be singulated at the customer’s site or fed directly into the next process step.
Photochemical etching can be used to process various metals and alloys.
Standard materials:
• Stainless steel
• Copper
• Nickel
• And its alloys
Additional materials (depending on location):
• Aluminium
• Titanium
• Molybdenum
• Precious metals such as gold or silver
Typical process parameters:
• Material thickness: approx. 0.003 mm to 1.5 mm
• Minimum tolerances: up to ± 0.007 mm
• Minimum web width: approx. 0.5 × material thickness
These values are guidelines and may vary depending on the application.
Our standards are industry-leading
We operate in the world of tightest tolerances, hundredths of a millimeter, finest structures, thinnest metals, and most complex geometries. We etch custom metal components in industrial large series while adhering to the tightest tolerances.
We strive for the highest customer satisfaction through excellent quality. To ensure this, our processes are continuously monitored and further developed through strict quality controls.
Together
to the right solution
The metal specialists of the Wickeder Group combine their strengths to offer you the best in metal. A wide range of standard and customized solutions is available on three continents: Europe, America, and Asia. Through the product and service-oriented business model, the highest quality standards, necessary flexibility, and fast response times are consistently maintained.
Micro Component
Here you will find an overview of additional product solutions relating to etching, laser cutting, or electroforming:
Your contact with us
Do you need further information on etched bipolar plates or have a specific task? We look forward to your enquiry.