{"id":13358,"date":"2022-07-05T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-05T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/?post_type=news&p=13358"},"modified":"2025-10-01T10:28:23","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T10:28:23","slug":"big-chunk-new-hot-press-for-zbt","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/en\/news\/big-chunk-new-hot-press-for-zbt\/","title":{"rendered":"Big chunk: New hot press for ZBT"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Big chunk: New hot press for ZBT<\/h1>\n
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ZBT has taken delivery of a new hot press. It can be used to investigate and optimize the production of graphite-based bipolar plates. ZBT scientists believe that there is still a lot of undiscovered potential in this process.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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ZBT acquired the new fully automated\u00a04-column hot press<\/b>\u00a0as part of the Ultrapress2 research project. The researchers want to use it to investigate how the\u00a0hot pressing cycle time<\/b>\u00a0can be reduced in the production of graphite-based\u00a0bipolar plates for PEM fuel cells<\/b>. A new, innovative hot pressing process with a mold made of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) and inductive tempering will be used.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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In addition, the 6.2-ton chunk makes it possible to carry out fully automated state-of-the-art\u00a0hot pressing tests<\/b>\u00a0and to reproduce the industrial hot pressing process on a smaller scale at ZBT. In this way, laboratory-scale findings can be obtained and transferred to industrial partners. The new machine presses at 150 tons, has a clamping surface of 400 x 400 millimeters and features temperature control up to 350 \u00b0C as well as controlled cooling.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Through precise control and regulation, the researchers hope to gain deeper\u00a0insights into the hot pressing process<\/b>\u00a0as well as higher reproducibility. The higher pressing force allows larger bipolar plates to be hot pressed, and the 4-column structure enables better\u00a0molding of the flowfields<\/b>. By further coupling with a generator for induction, bipolar plates for NT-PEM with flowfield and a cycle time of 120 seconds per plate will be produced within the Ultrapress project.<\/p>\n

The new press is already set up and ready for use. High time for some first press products….<\/p>\n

Fuel Cells and Stacks Department<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Media<\/h4>\n
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\n \n \"Big\n <\/a>\n Big chunk: The hot press arrives on a full-blown truck trailer.\n\n<\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n
\n \n \"By\n <\/a>\n By crane, the unit floats to its new location at ZBT.\n\n<\/span>\n <\/div>\n \n
\n \n \"Press\n <\/a>\n Press products: Now hot pressing can be done at ZBT.\n\n<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/section>\n\n