PEI produces photochemically etched fuel cell plates in a wide variety of metals, including stainless steel, pure titanium, and other non-corrosive metals for the solar and energy generation markets. Our photochemical machining process allows very large, very thin single or double-sided plates to be etched without incurring the stresses typical of other machining methods. Dimensions can be held to extremely high tolerances, and the process yields exceptionally smooth surfaces and channels, even with multiple channel depths on the same plate, free of burrs or other surface irregularities.
The range of thickness of these metal fuel cell plates (from 0.5 mil [0.0127 mm] to 100 mil [2.54 mm], with features as small as 4 mil [0.10 mm] on 0.010 in. [0.254 mm) centers) allows them to be stacked or layered, giving fuel cell manufacturers greater flexibility in design, while providing improved durability and conductivity over non-metallic materials. Since the plates are lightweight and impact-resistant, manufacturers can produce longer-lived fuel cells with lower shipping costs. PEI’s fuel cell plates also offer superior volumetric power density when compared with other materials, and can be fabricated in myriad shapes and sizes with round or hexagonal holes, ovals and slots, and customized with the customer’s logo.
PEI provides manufacturers with a complete turnkey operation, including tool-making, plating, and forming in order to deliver extremely quick turnaround times (quotes within 24 hours!) at competitive prices. Our manufacturing equipment and test equipment are in compliance with MIL-STD-45662, and our sampling procedures allow for individual customers' specifications, as well as MIL-STD-105. We have complete first-piece inspection report capability, and submit to annual or bi-annual quality systems and calibration auditing by our customers.
PEI's executive staff meets twice a year to conduct a management review of our ISO system. PEI is in the high 90th percentile in internal quality, external quality, and on-time delivery to customers.
