Category Archive: Uncategorized

Godfrey & Wing Develops Technology to Seal Graphite Leak Paths in Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Godfrey & Wing, a leading global manufacturer of vacuum impregnation technology, has received a contract for an Advanced Graphite Impregnation (AGI) system from a hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer. Starting in 2023, the system will seal leak paths in bi-polar plates in fuel cell stacks for fuel cell vehicles (FCV).

The AGI is designed from Godfrey & Wing’s , which is the world’s most widely used impregnation system. While the HVLV was originally designed to seal leak paths in die cast aluminum, the AGI seals leak paths in graphite parts. A modular system, the AGI seals graphite leak paths while keeping parts clean. With a small footprint of 116 square feet, it can fit in the production line to achieve continuous production flow. In addition, the AGI will be equipped with custom fixtures to remove the risk of part damage and contamination. 

Godfrey & Wing Develops Technology to Seal Graphite Leak Paths in Hydrogen Fuel Cells

While FCVs operate on electricity and are zero-emission, they do so differently than battery-powered Electric Vehicles (EV). In an FCV, hydrogen reacts electrochemically to produce electricity to power the vehicle. Hydrogen fuel cells are designed for use in industries such as transportation, construction, industrial equipment, and others that have traditionally relied on internal combustion technology. 

“With a proven record in delivering results for ICEs, we are helping OEMs and manufacturers succeed as they now invest in FCV and EVs.” Said Johnny Halladay, Business Unit Director. “OEMs are moving at a fast pace to build better and cleaner cars. We are excited to help these companies meet their demand.”  

Hydrogen infrastructure is growing across North America, and fuel cell transit buses are already in use in the United States and Canada. The global market for fuel cells was valued at $6.6 billion in 2021, according to BCC Research, and is expected to grow at a 20.1% CAGR from 2022 to 2027.  

Case Study: Ensuring EV Battery Performance with Vacuum Impregnation

It is expected that there will be 134 electric vehicle (EV) car models available by 2024. Both well-established industry leaders and startups are debuting new car models and redesigning well-known models to be EVs. In addition, these companies are announcing investments to shift from internal combustion engines (ICE) to EVs. This competitive landscape rewards companies that can identify opportunities to adapt appropriately.
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Preparing Parts for Vacuum Impregnation

When it comes to vacuum impregnation, it’s essential to ensure that the parts being impregnated are dry beforehand. This is because any surface impurities can interfere with the impregnation process, leading to subpar results.

If any residual fluids or debris are on the parts prior to impregnation, then the following problems may occur.

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Understanding How Vacuum Pressure Impregnation (VPI) Works

Vacuum Pressure Impregnation (VPI) is a method to insulate wound electro-mechanical parts thoroughly with a resin or varnish. VPI is a critical process to insulate and seal the porosity of the parts. VPI is essential to ensure that parts function correctly and improve the longevity of the equipment (Image 1). This blog is a guide that will explain the process, advantages and applications of VPI.

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Inspect Casting Porosity with Nondestructive X-Ray

The phrase aluminum die casting porosity is used extensively when talking about any void in an aluminum casting, but it does not describe the actual problem. It can take many different shapes and forms, but it is often described just as “porosity”. When analyzing a casting’s porosity, it is important to describe specifics like size, shape, location, and frequency (Image 1). Since porosity is within the casting’s walls, the best way to analyze it is through Nondestructive Testing.

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Sealing Motors with Vacuum Pressure Impregnation vs. Varnish Dip

One component that engineers are designing in electric vehicles (EVs) is the electric motor. This component is one of the main driving-forces behind EVs. Per IDTEchEx, over 100 million electric motors will be required by 2032. The EV market is constantly evolving with new designs and higher performance requirements to meet these consumer demands. These requirements can result in more parts being rejected and scrapped. Leading to increased costs, and delayed production.

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Three Reasons to Seal Electronics with Vacuum Impregnation

Electronics play a crucial role in electric vehicles (EVs). In 2000 automobile electronics were responsible for 18 percent of the cost of a car. Twenty years later, electronics accounted for 40 percent of a car’s cost. The use of electronics will continue to meet fuel efficiency, safety regulations, and consumer standards. However, while the use of electronics will grow, manufacturers must ensure their parts’ quality, safety, and their bottom line’s integrity.

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The Ultimate Guide to Sealing 3D Printed Parts

When 3D printing was first developed in the 1980’s, it was primarily used for a product’s proof of concept or initial prototypes. The limits of the technology and material did not allow one to use the process for field testing, or production. The past decade has seen a surge in 3D printing use. The rapid developments in 3D printing technology and materials has accelerated areas like product development, offer customized product, and eliminate design restrictions.

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How Vacuum Impregnation Enables Lightweighting

Recent decades have seen a surge in the use of aluminum castings in car manufacturing. Aluminum has been a critical material in car manufacturing since the beginning. The first sports car featuring an aluminum body was unveiled at the Berlin International Motor Show in 1899. Carl Benz developed the first engine with aluminum parts two years later. Since then, aluminum has become the leading material used in various components and car models. Aluminum use now ranges from mass-market to luxury vehicles.  

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