Evaluation of Effective Parameters on Stamping of Metallic Bipolar Plates

Bipolar plates are some of the most important parts of a fuel cell that constitute a high percentage of weight and cost in a fuel cells collection. Furthermore, metals due to lesser weight and cost are suitable replacements for thick graphite plates which need high cost of machining. In recent years, among of sheet forming productions the applications of stamping process have become increased due to reduction of cost and increase production speed. The present study investigates the manufacturing process of metallic bipolar plates made of SS316L with a thickness of 0.1 mm using stamping process. In this respect, the effect of lubricant on improvement of fabricated plates has been examined. Also, two cases of forming process with and without lubricant on depth of filling flow channels, thickness distribution, thickness reduction and uniformity of channels have been evaluated. The results obtained from the experiments showed that effect of lubricant is so important. Moreover, by using of lubricant the thickness reduction, uniformity of channels, depth of filling flow channels and thickness distribution could be improved.