Photo Etching of PCHE Project for the Fuel Cell Industry

VACCO Industries specializes in manufacturing high precision photo etching of printed circuit heat exchangers (PCHE). The product featured here is a robust and highly effective diffusion-bonded heat exchanger layered to serve as a core of the exchanger. Operating since 1954, we have developed and applied advanced manufacturing methodologies and inspections, including Six Sigma and SPC, to ensure reproduction of parts with tolerances to ± 0.002″. Our fuel cell industry customer benefits from our experienced teams’ applied knowledge.

Our team fabricated PCHE by photo etching the (40) .020” thick corrosion-resistant AISI 316 stainless steel layers with flow paths and microfluidic channels. CNC machining and polishing were used to generate top and bottom plates. Through our diffusion bonding process, the multiple layers were joined creating a monolithic hermetically sealed device. The wire EDM process was used to machine the access ports and allow the part to take its final shape. The finished unit was then bubble leak tested and pressure certified. This was completed with a 12-week turnaround time.

VACCO photo etches printed circuit heat exchangers that undergo quality control procedures and rigorous testing to meet fuel cell industry part standards. For additional product details, refer to the table below and contact us.

Photo Etching of PCHE Project Highlights