A fuel cell is a device that converts chemical potential energy into electrical energy. It is similar to a battery, generating electricity from an electrochemical reaction. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) is one specific fuel cell technology that is highly suited to automotive applications due to its energy conversion efficiency and package compactness.
There are various fuel cell technologies including the following: 
- Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC)
- Direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC)
- Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)
- Alkaline fuel cells (AFCs)
- Molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs)
- Phosphoric acid fuel cells (PAFCs)
Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM)
Among various fuel cell technologies, Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) is one specific fuel cell technology that is highly suited to automotive applications due to its energy conversion efficiency and package compactness. A Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), also referred to as Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), utilize polymer membrane electrolytes and platinum-based electrodes.
Bipolar plates constitute one of the most important parts of a PEM fuel cell stack with multifunctional character. It distributes fuel gas and oxygen over the whole active surface area, joins together the anode of one cell to the cathode of another, provides electrical conduction between cells, facilitates fluid management within the cells, removes heat from the active areas, among others.
Cost and material choices of bipolar plates have long been the bottlenecks for further development and application of PEM fuel cells, as bipolar plates represent 2nd largest portion of cost in a fuel cell stack. Vigorous efforts have been made to evaluate different materials and manufacturing processes in order to meet the demanding expectations for the plates.
Veco’s High Precision Metallic (PEM) Fuel Cell Plates
As the world leader of high precision metal engineering, Veco is the only in the industry with such wide range of integrated technologies in-house: Electroforming, Etching, Laser Processes (including Laser Cutting, Laser Drilling, Laser Welding, Laser Engraving, and Micromachining), as well as Plating/Surface Finishing. Our un-paralleled technology capabilities enable us to provide the industry with top-quality high precision metallic fuel cell plates which are cost-efficient, featuring superior properties than others can achieve. Additionally, Veco offers the industry co-development service for the next generation of PEM fuel cell solutions.
Key Features
- Fast prototyping
- Cost-efficient industrial manufacturing
- Higher electrical and thermal conductivity
- Consistent product quality and accuracy
- In-house Electro-plating capability
- Burr- and stress-free
- Design flexibility for complex channel designs
- Short lead time
Interested to learn more about Veco's high precision fuel cell plates, and how it could help you achieve higher energy efficency in smaller packages? Download the application note here: