DATRON Solutions for the Production of Fuel Cell Components
High reliability, maximum flexibility and scalability have been the major pillars of DATRON technology for many years and form an ideal basis for the manufacture of fuel cells. The exemplary DATRON fuel cell consists of four components, which can be produced precisely and in high quality with DATRON machines.
End plate
Light weight construction combined with high stability. Large pockets emphasise the characteristics of this part and demonstrate the advantages of DATRON milling machines in sheet machining. Efficient manufacturing of components with high machining volumes – from a prototype to serial production.
Current collector
Take advantage of the flexibility of DATRON milling machines. Fast, high-precision and contour-accurate milling with a wide range of materials.
Bipolar plate seal
DATRON dispensing systems are renowned for short cycle times combined with high reliability and provide the optimal conditions for manufacturing bipolar plate seals:
- Top quality and precision
- Dispensing volumes can be programmed as required
- Cost-efficient production
Acrylic cover plate
Seal with visual inspection. The acrylic cover plate allows the operator to view the pressed seal of the assembled fuel-cell model.
NOTE:
The illustrated DATRON fuel cell does not represent a regular fuel cell. It serves as a model to emonstrate our DATRON technology.
Our solutions for your requirements!
Implementing demanding strategies for manufacturing fuel cells poses numerous technical challenges.
DATRON offers technological high-quality solutions for your entire process chain.
| Machining: | I Roughing/finishing | II Thread milling | III Engraving | IV Cutting | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milling tool | 4-in-1 single flute end mill, Ø10 mm | 4-in-1 single flute end mill, Ø3 mm | Thread milling cutter M6 | Ball nose end mill, Ø0.5 mm | 4-in-1 single flute end mill, Ø6 mm |
| Cutter number | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Speed | 32,000 rpm | 38,000 rpm | 37,000 rpm | 40,000 rpm | 35,000 rpm |
| Feed | 8 m/min | 3 m/min | 2.4 m/min | 0.8 m/min | 6 m/min |
| Infeed XY | 6 mm | 2 mm | 0.5 mm | 0.05 mm | 6 mm |
| Infeed Z | 2.4 mm | 2.4 mm | 1 mm | 0.1 mm | 1.3 mm |
| Dynamics | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Chord error CAM | 0.03 mm | 0.03 mm | 0.03 mm | 0.03 mm | 0.03 mm |
| Item no.: | 0068810A | 0068803A | 00680060E | 0068003 | 0068806K |
Maximum flexibility and scalability with short setup and cycle times
The objectives for machining bipolar plate seals are short cycle times and high reliability. The solution are DATRON volumetric dispensing heads and software, all developed in-house. Specific focus is placed on liquid densities and the ideal mapping of the critical start/stop areas. DATRON dispensing systems eliminate significant thickening and increases specifically in these ranges.
Homogenous density level even with complex structures
- Dispensing volumes can be programmedas required over the complete bead contour to ensure a homogenous density level, even in structured surface finishes
High reliability
- The material preparation guarantees seal application free from bubbles while the option to measure components makes a significant contribution to reliability
Low shape and position tolerances for seals
- High machine repeat accuracy and precision
- High-quality axis systems also used within the DATRON CNC machine fleet
Inexpensive in any case
- Low-maintenance machine systems
- No cost for tools, therefore economical even when manufacturing small numbers
Seal design
- Narrow seal width ensures a compact design
- Simple seal application in grooves