Automated stack assembly

Another highlight of our research is the high-precision, product-flexible stacking system for manufacturing the IWU electrolyzer. The challenge in series production of hydrogen systems — electrolyzers in particular — lies in precisely handling numerous and partly complex individual parts. Our stacking system sets new standards in manufacturing efficiency and flexibility. It can handle up to 8 different parts automatically while maintaining tight tolerances of 0.1–0.2 mm. All of this is made possible by a state-of-the-art 2-camera image recognition system that detects the exact position of the parts in the gripper and adjusts continuously.

A particular highlight: thanks to the innovative multi-gripper with separate suction circuits, we can currently handle 3 parts that are demanding to manipulate — meshes (PTL), limp foils (MEA) and BPPs with flow field — without changing grippers, at a precision that significantly optimizes the production process.

Thanks to its product-flexible design, the system can be adapted with manageable effort to other stack designs as well as fuel-cell stacks with component sizes up to 250×500 mm — perhaps soon for your stack, too.