Graebener - Hydroforming Technology

In detail: What is hydroforming?

As a pioneer in hydroforming, we deliberately rely on the process for which we are known worldwide as experts for the production of bipolar plates. The advantages of hydroforming are obvious:

Hydroforming – or external high-pressure forming – is an active media forming process. A metal foil is inserted into a tool gravure and expanded into the forming tool with very high pressure by means of a water-oil-emulsion (see sketch).

Thanks to the even pressure distribution over the entire foil surface, an homogeneous material thickness distribution is achieved, and abrupt stress transitions are avoided. This allows forming even the smallest radii. The material spring back remains low.

The advantages of hydroforming

With so-called external high-pressure forming, extremely filigree structures can be realized in series using extremely thin materials from 50 μm. In contrast to mechanical forming, which at first glance may seem more cost-effective, especially for series production, hydroforming offers numerous advantages that pay off in the long term.

Since bipolar plate production is all about repeatable precision, attention to detail and high value, we believe that hydroforming is the optimal process – and one of the quality features that makes Graebener® Bipolar Plate Technologies your sustainable competitive edge.