Feintool wins major contract from renowned fuel cell manufacturer
in China
Feintool wins a major customer in China's booming
hydrogen economy. Together with the fuel cell manufacturer Feintool
has developed a new generation of fuel cells. High volume
production of metallic bipolar plates will start in Taicang in
2024.
China is vigorously pushing ahead with the hydrogen economy and
Feintool has emerged as one of the first European companies to
establish a presence in this highly competitive market. The
technology company has teamed up with a renowned Chinese
manufacturer to develop a new generation of high-performance fuel
cells.
In 2024, Feintool will ramp up the high volume production of
metallic bipolar plates. These form the core of the fuel cells,
which are mainly used in buses and commercial vehicles. This
substantial order is anticipated to generate sales in the
double-digit millions (CHF) over the next years.
"We are proud to have won a major customer in a market dominated
by domestic players. We look forward to contributing to the
decarbonization of China with our advanced production technology,"
says Marcel Pernici, President of Feintool's parts business in
Asia.
Feintool has a proven track record as a trusted development
partner with the customer, which has six branches in China and
supplies the country's leading bus and commercial vehicles
manufacturers with fuel cell stacks. Feintool's engineering
expertise and local presence in China were decisive in winning the
contract, as Marcel Pernici explains: "This contract proves that
Feintool successfully masters technology transfer on a global level
and serves the Chinese market with highly efficient local-for-local
solutions."
The bipolar plates were developed at the Swiss site in Lyss,
where prototypes will also be manufactured until October 2023. In
collaboration with the German company SITEC two production lines
have been established at the Taicang plant, near Shanghai, with a
capacity of up to ten million bipolar plates per year. In a
"shop-in-shop" concept, the laser specialist contributes machines
and employees with expertise in laser welding, while Feintool
manufactures the internal and external geometries of the bipolar
plates using its FEINforming process on high-performance presses
developed in-house. Thanks to this partnership, Feintool supplies
customers with large-scale, ready-to-install, top-quality bipolar
plates.
By the end of 2024, the substantial order is expected to run one
production line at full capacity. As China's hydrogen economy is
forecasted to experience robust growth by 2030 the manufacturer
aims to gain further market share with the new fuel cell
generation.
Building on their successful collaboration in Asia, SITEC and
Feintool will continue their partnership manufacturing bipolar
plates for fuel cells and electrolyzers in
Europe._________________
For ready-to-install metallic bipolar plates: the joint
competencies of Feintool and SITEC
FEINforming: Advantage through precision
FEINforming technology stands as a pivotal key to the future
sustainability of fuel cells. The precise processing of ultra-thin
material leads to a reduction in weight and volume, enabling a more
compact arrangement of the fuel cells in the stack. An enhanced
power density in the cell stack clears the way for high-performance
and compact vehicle drives. Feintool provides a tailor-made,
all-in-one solution for the production of optimized bipolar plates:
presses specialized in bipolar plate production, FEM-optimized tool
design, comprehensive engineering services as well as prototypes,
pre-series, and series production.
FLEX Welding: Laser welding of the highest efficiency,
process reliability and quality
The efficient operation of the laser in industrial production
and the technological development of process-safe solutions are
part of SITEC's core competencies. The laser works extremely fast,
produces excellent weld seams and virtually distortion-free
components. SITEC integrates lasers, welding optics and intelligent
monitoring systems into automated production systems. For the
production of metallic bipolar plates, the company relies on the
specially developed FlexCell production system for needs-optimized
production.
About FeintoolFeintool is an internationally
active technology market leader in the field of stamped electro
sheet products, formed steel components and fineblanking.
Cost-effectiveness, superior quality, and high productivity
distinguish these technologies.
As an innovation driver, Feintool continually pushes the
boundaries of these technologies and develops intelligent solutions
to meet its customers’ requirements. Feintool offers innovative
tools and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes for all aspects
of high-volume sheet metal applications in the automotive industry
and other demanding industrial sectors as well as renewable
energies. The processes used support the megatrends of green energy
generation, storage, and application.
Founded in 1959 and headquartered in Switzerland, the company
owns 17 production plants in Europe, the United States, China, and
Japan, ensuring proximity to its customers. Around the globe, about
3,500 employees and over 100 apprentices are at work on new
solutions to create key advantages for Feintool customers.
About SITECSITEC is an internationally valued
partner and system supplier for automated high-tech production
systems and the series production of precision parts and
assemblies.Based on the highest quality and environmental
standards, SITEC offers efficient manufacturing technologies as
well as complete turnkey solutions.For its global customers in the
automotive, medical and alternative energy industries, SITEC
develops ready-to-install solutions for automated assembly and
laser material processing. With around 300 highly qualified
employees and optimum teamwork, the company is able to achieve
this.SITEC grows with the challenges of its customers and the
market, such as the development of new products in the field of
e-mobility or autonomous storage technologies based on fuel cells.
Fully automated laser processing systems for laser welding,
especially of copper for components in e-drives, battery systems
and power electronics are part of today’s portfolio.Since 2012, the
company has been producing laser-welded bipolar plates in various
designs on behalf of customers in series production.Founded in 1991
and headquartered in Germany, the company serves the Asian markets
directly through SITEC Laser Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. and
operates a showroom in the USA (Pittsburgh).
Feintool International Holding AG Industriering
8 3250 Lyss Switzerland
Media spokesperson Karin Labhart Phone +41 32
387 51 57 Mobile +41 79 609 22 02
karin.labhart@feintool.com www.feintool.com
The press release can be downloaded from the following link:
Press Release (PDF)
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