Swiss technology company Feintool has made significant strides in China’s burgeoning hydrogen economy, securing a key customer and partnering with a prominent local fuel cell manufacturer to develop an innovative generation of fuel cells. The collaboration involves the production of advanced metallic bipolar plates, which serve as the heart of fuel cells predominantly used in buses and commercial vehicles. This momentous deal is projected to generate substantial sales in the double-digit millions (CHF) over the coming years.
Marcel Pernici, President of Feintool’s Asian parts business, expressed pride in breaking into a market traditionally dominated by domestic players. He highlighted Feintool’s role in advancing China’s decarbonization efforts through cutting-edge production technology. Feintool’s successful track record as a development partner, along with its expertise and local presence in China, played a pivotal role in securing the contract.
The development of the bipolar plates occurred at Feintool’s Swiss site in Lyss, with prototypes scheduled for production until October 2023. In collaboration with German company SITEC, Feintool established two production lines at the Taicang plant near Shanghai. These lines have a combined capacity of up to ten million bipolar plates annually. SITEC contributes laser technology and welding expertise, while Feintool leverages its FEINforming process and in-house-developed high-performance presses to manufacture the internal and external geometries of the bipolar plates. This partnership ensures the delivery of ready-to-install, high-quality bipolar plates at scale.
The substantial order is expected to run at full capacity on one production line. With China’s hydrogen economy poised for robust growth by 2030, Feintool aims to capture an even larger market share with its innovative fuel cell generation. Building on their success in Asia, Feintool and SITEC plan to continue their collaboration by producing bipolar plates for fuel cells and electrolyzers in Europe.
Feintool’s FEINforming technology emerges as a linchpin for fuel cell sustainability. Its precise processing of ultra-thin materials results in lighter and more compact fuel cells, enhancing power density in the cell stack and enabling high-performance and compact vehicle drives. The partnership offers a comprehensive solution, encompassing specialized presses for bipolar plate production, optimized tool design, engineering services, and prototype through series production.
SITEC’s contribution, FLEX Welding, harnesses efficient laser welding technology for industrial production. The company’s laser systems operate swiftly and deliver impeccable weld seams with minimal distortion. Through the FlexCell production system, SITEC integrates lasers, welding optics, and monitoring systems into automated production setups, ensuring the tailored production of metallic bipolar plates that meet the highest standards of efficiency, process reliability, and quality.
