GM Functionals joins Hydrogen + Fuel Cells EUROPE Hannover Messe 2024

GM Functionals is set join the exclusive Hydrogen + Fuel Cells EUROPE community at Hannover Messe 2024 to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and excellence in thin film coating.

GM Functionals will be one of more than 500 exhibitors from the hydrogen and fuel cell sector gathering at the upcoming Hannover Messe industrial trade fair in Germany, on 22 – 26 April 2024. Building on over 40 years of experience in developing highly precise and consistent coating technology for the printing sector, GM’s Functionals division offers a range of advanced machinery designed to deposit thin films efficiently and accurately onto flexible substrates.

The team will be at the trade show to discuss how GM Functionals is leveraging its expertise in thin film coating technology for the production of applications such as catalyst-coated membranes (CCM) and bipolar plates in fuel cells. Vital for efficiency and performance, the CCM facilitate electrochemical reactions, proton flow, and electricity generation in fuel cells. Bipolar plates enable the distribution of reactant gases and electron conduction, prevent gas mixing, aid in heat management, and offer structural support. 

“Thin film coating is a critical step in fuel cell manufacturing, requiring extreme accuracy and process control,” comments Michael Andersen, Chief Commercial Officer at GM Functionals. “Through our pioneering technology, we possess the knowhow and ability to engineer tailored solutions capable of managing even the most delicate materials, at a very competitive price point.”

Visitors will be able to learn about GM’s FlexiCoat roll-to-roll platform, a fully modular, scalable, and multifunctional device ideal for both research and manufacturing settings. Embodying the principles of Industry 4.0 through digital connectivity and intelligent automation, the FlexiCoat features automated slot die coating with a heated roller, along with optional inline screen printing, busbar application, and inspection systems. 

Each individual FlexiCoat line is meticulously manufactured at GM’s state-of-the-art facility in Denmark to exact specifications and integrated in a seamless digitalized workflow. By overseeing the entire production process in house, the premium machine quality can be fully guaranteed, while also offering the option to add new modules in the future.  

“We look forward to joining the Hydrogen + Fuel Cells EUROPE community in Hannover at what promises to be a central meeting place for sharing knowledge and advancing innovation in clean fuel research,” concludes Michael. “We welcome all interested parties to engage with our team and explore their challenges and needs in this progressive sector.”  

Hannover Messe, which dates back to 1947, gathered nearly 4000 exhibitors and 130,000 on-site attendees from 156 countries when it was last held in 2023. Considered to be the world’s most important international platform for industrial transformation, its slogan this year is ‘Energizing a sustainable industry.’ 

GM Functionals can be found in Hall 13 on stand B41 at Hannover Messe.