ZBT acquired the new fully automated 4-column hot press as part of the Ultrapress2 research project. The researchers want to use it to investigate how the hot pressing cycle time can be reduced in the production of graphite-based bipolar plates for PEM fuel cells. A new, innovative hot pressing process with a mold made of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) and inductive tempering will be used.
In addition, the 6.2-ton chunk makes it possible to carry out fully automated state-of-the-art hot pressing tests and to reproduce the industrial hot pressing process on a smaller scale at ZBT. In this way, laboratory-scale findings can be obtained and transferred to industrial partners. The new machine presses at 150 tons, has a clamping surface of 400 x 400 millimeters and features temperature control up to 350 °C as well as controlled cooling.
Through precise control and regulation, the researchers hope to gain deeper insights into the hot pressing process as well as higher reproducibility. The higher pressing force allows larger bipolar plates to be hot pressed, and the 4-column structure enables better molding of the flowfields. By further coupling with a generator for induction, bipolar plates for NT-PEM with flowfield and a cycle time of 120 seconds per plate will be produced within the Ultrapress project.
The new press is already set up and ready for use. High time for some first press products....
