Mühlbauer supplies fuel cell stacker to ZSW

After Mühlbauer has already implemented several industrial projects for the high-volume production of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), now a reference system for the high-precision and extremely flexible stacking of MEA's and bipolar plates is being realized for ZSW. To ensure the highest quality of the stack, all components are automatically checked for scale, micro-defects and impurities before processing and then stacked with an accuracy of +/-25 µm. For research purposes of the ZSW, the placing position of each layer is individually programmable in order to precisely evaluate the influences of stacking accuracy on stack quality and performance. This way, the new ZSW model factory "HyFaB" will generate an optimal solution for the production of fuel cell stacks for industrial partners.

The design of the system is optimized to achieve the required stacking speeds of 1 sec/cell for industrial applications, which will lay the foundation for further performance improvements in terms of flexibility, accuracy and speed.

With over 40 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, the Mühlbauer Group has extensive know-how in precise and very fast handling of highly sensitive components and materials. The inspection systems integrated in each machine are developed and assembled in-house, like all other equipment of the company. In order to complete the requirement profile for eMobility, Mühlbauer is also developing innovative production systems for battery cell production in addition to the fuel cell systems. The aim of the innovation driving company is to establish an independent European supply chain for emission-free and hydrogen-based propulsion technology.