Vertical Machining Centers produce fuel cell mold plates.
Press Release Summary:
V-Series Machining Centers can achieve depth accuracy of ±2 microns and surface finish quality of 0.4 microns in 40 HRC steel. They provide smooth machined surfaces, even in high-feedrate machining of 3D shapes involving continuous tiny blocks of NC data. Featuring machine-stiffness, rigidity, and thermal stability, machining centers are capable of producing molded membrane separators, which are key element to fuel cell stack power source development.
Original Press Release:
Makino V-Series Vertical Machining Center Ideal for Fuel-Cell Mold Plates
Molded Membrane Separators Are Key Element To Fuel Cell Stack Power Source Development
MASON, OH-November, 2003-Makino V-Series die/mold machinery is an ideal selection for the manufacturing of fuel-cell power stack separator plate membrane component molds. These key
components to new and inexpensive power generation have been tested and proven on Makino equipment to maintain the quality and tolerances necessary for this technologically advanced
process.
Depth accuracy within +/- 2 microns and surface finish quality of 0.4 microns can be achieved on the Makino V-Series machines in 40 HRC steel, both of which are essential in making such
membrane component molds. Many scientific and engineering thought-leaders consider these type of fuel-cell power stacks to be the primary technology in the evolution of electronic or alternative fuel automobiles within the next decade.
These membranes have to be of high quality and specification to establish the proper electrochemical conversion process to convert hydrogen and oxygen from the air into water. The process flow then produces electricity and heat, especially when configured in a fuel-cell stack via a reformer, which controls and regulates the hydrogen for safety.
Such an electrolyte or proton-exchange membrane separates and buffers the negatively charged anodes, repelling electrons, and the positively charged cathodes, attracting electrons. The membrane allows the positive electrons to flow through it to the cathode side of the fuel-cell stack, generating electricity. While combustible fuels burn, and standard batteries store electrical energy as chemical energy and convert it back again, a fuel-cell stack provides direct current (DC) power.
"Makino is proud to be working with many companies to help develop alternative fuel technology for automobiles, power facilities and home generation units," says Mark Rentschler, marketing manager for Makino. "One day soon, unlimited supplies of energy can be created via the mass production of low cost membranes for fuel-cell stacks, which can be manufactured through molds that are machined on Makino vertical machining centers.
"This will offer the world low cost, safe, quiet, efficient, environmentally-friendly and readily available power solutions," says Rentschler. "The V-Series is ideal for this type of work due to the ability to provide exceptional spindle speed and stability, machine-stiffness, rigidity and thermal stability. This combination produces high-accuracy machining along the entire part, even over long and extended hours of operation."
Makino V-Series machines provide exceptionally smooth machined surfaces even in high-feedrate machining of 3-D shapes involving continuous tiny blocks of NC data. Advanced data management
technology and Makino's proprietary, next generation Super Geometric Intelligence (SGI.3) servo control deliver the lowest cycle times available. This technology maintains exceptional accuracy and produces quality finishes that only a machine designed specifically for detailed die/mold applications can provide.
Makino is a global provider of advanced machining technology and application support for the metalcutting and die/mold industries, dedicated to driving out more costs from your manufacturing operation than any other competitive machine tool manufacturer. Makino manufacturing and service centers are located in the United States, Japan, Germany, Singapore, Italy, France, Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, China, Mexico, Brazil, and India, and are supported by a worldwide distributor network. For more information call 1.800.552.3288, or visit Makino on the Web at www.makino.com.
