Custom Micro-Etched Titanium Flow Plate for Japanese Fuel Cells & Heat Exchangers

Flow Plates Overview

Our precision-etched metal flow plates are engineered for advanced fluid management applications, particularly in fuel cells, heat exchangers, and microfluidic systems. Manufactured using photochemical etching technology, these plates feature complex, high-density flow field patterns with exceptional accuracy and consistency. Ideal for applications requiring precise fluid control, thermal management, or gas diffusion.

Manufacturing Process

• Design Transfer: Digital CAD designs are translated to high-precision phototools.

• Material Preparation: Selected metal sheets are cleaned and coated with photoresist.

• UV Exposure: The flow pattern is exposed onto the photoresist-coated metal using UV light.

• Chemical Etching: Unprotected areas are precisely etched away to create flow channels.

• Cleaning & Inspection: Residual resist is removed, followed by thorough cleaning and dimensional verification.

• Secondary Operations: Optional steps include forming, welding, surface treatment, or assembly with other parts.

Flow Plates Features

• Complex Geometries: Produce intricate, multi-depth channel designs without tooling limitations.

• High Precision: Channel widths down to 0.015mm with ±0.01mm tolerance control.

• Burr-Free Channels: Smooth, uniform flow paths without mechanical stress or deformation.

• Material Versatility: Compatible with stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, copper, and specialty alloys.

• Rapid Prototyping: Quick design iterations with minimal setup time.

• Seamless Integration: Can include ports, alignment features, and sealing surfaces in a single piece.

Flow Plate Specifications

Flow Plates Applications

• Fuel Cell Bipolar Plates: PEMFC, SOFC, and other fuel cell technologies

• Heat Exchangers: Microchannel and plate-type heat exchangers

• Microfluidic Devices: Lab-on-chip, medical diagnostic equipment

• Chemical Process Plates: Reactor plates, mixing plates, distribution plates

• Cooling Plates: Electronics cooling, laser cooling, power electronics

• Sensor Components: Flow sensors, pressure sensors

Our Advantages

• No Hard Tooling: Eliminates mold costs and enables fast design changes.

• Multi-Depth Etching: Create varied channel depths in a single etching process.

• High Volume Capable: Efficient scaling from prototypes to mass production.

• Material Expertise: Experience with corrosion-resistant and conductive alloys for demanding environments.

• Quality Assurance: 100% dimensional inspection and leak testing available.

• Fast Turnaround: Typically 7-10 days for prototypes, 2-4 weeks for production quantities.

FAQ

• Q: What materials are best for fuel cell flow plates?
  A: 316L stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance and conductivity. Titanium provides superior strength and corrosion resistance for demanding applications. We can advise based on your specific requirements.
• Q: Can you create different channel depths on the same plate?
  A: Yes, our etching process can produce multiple channel depths in a single operation, allowing for optimized flow field designs.
• Q: How do you ensure sealing surface flatness?
  A: Our stress-free etching process maintains material integrity, and we can include additional flattening or surface finishing steps to achieve required flatness specifications.
• Q: Can you etch micro-features on both sides of the plate?
  A: Yes, we routinely produce double-sided etched plates with precise alignment between front and back patterns.
• Q: Do you provide assembly services for stacked plate configurations?
  A: Yes, we offer welding, bonding, and assembly services to create complete plate stacks or integrated modules.
• Q: What file formats do you accept for design?
  A: We prefer DXF, DWG, or STEP files, but can work with other common CAD formats.

Welcome to contact us at any time!