Roll for a rotary production method, embossing and cutting tool, rotary production method, half plate and bipolar plate

Abstract

The invention relates to a roller (10, 11) for a rotary manufacturing process, wherein the roller (10, 11) has at least one embossing element (1) and at least one cutting element (3, 4, 5, 9). The invention further relates to an embossing and cutting tool (100), a rotary manufacturing process, a half-plate produced by the rotary manufacturing process, and a bipolar plate comprising two half-plates.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a roller for a rotary manufacturing process, an embossing and cutting tool, a rotary manufacturing process, a half-plate produced by the manufacturing process, and a bipolar plate comprising two half-plates.

[0002] Rotary manufacturing processes are used, among other things, to introduce structures into flat or web-shaped workpieces in order to achieve a desired workpiece geometry, in particular a desired workpiece surface geometry. These rotary manufacturing processes can include, for example, calendering, embossing and / or punching. Especially with web-shaped workpieces, the final step is singulating, i.e. cutting the web material. For example, bipolar plates or half-plates for bipolar plates can be manufactured using a roll-to-roll process. This involves embossing the desired plate geometry into a starting material and punching media passages out of the material. The material is then singulated to produce individual plates. Examples of rollers for embossing can be found in CN216659110U or CN210333760U.

[0003] In such state-of-the-art processes, embossing and cutting are performed in separate devices, so-called cassettes, each of which contains at least one set of rollers, and thus in individual steps. The starting material can be provided as web material from an unwinder. A first cassette embosses the web material. The web material then runs through a second cassette, which, for example, punches out corresponding media channels. Punching can also include separating or cutting a plate from the web material. A device for such a process is known, for example, from CN106393802A.

[0004] The separation of the embossing and cutting or punching process steps requires both cassettes to run synchronously or a register control system to be used. Both require considerable technical effort. In areas where very high tolerances are required between embossing and cutting edges, such as bipolar plate production, current state-of-the-art processes reach their limits or the requirements can only be met with extreme effort.

[0005] The object of the invention is to further develop a roller for a rotary manufacturing process in such a way that it enables combined embossing and cutting.

[0006] This object is achieved by a roller having the features of claim 1, an embossing and cutting tool according to claim 15, a rotary manufacturing method according to claim 22, a half-plate according to claim 23, and a bipolar plate according to claim 25. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the respective dependent claims.

[0007] The roller according to the invention for a rotary manufacturing process has at least one embossing element and at least one cutting element.

[0008] Because the roller has at least one embossing and at least one cutting element, the invention enables combined embossing and cutting, so that the embossing and cutting steps, which are separate in the current state of the art, can be performed in a single step. This reduces technical complexity by avoiding or at least simplifying the synchronization of the separate steps and / or register control.

[0009] A distinction is made here between embossing and cutting in that embossing essentially involves the forming of a workpiece, for example, by deforming a surface of the workpiece, by creating a relief for media channels or the like. In contrast, cutting is essentially a separation process and, in this sense, also includes punching and perforating, as this involves removing material from the workpiece. Cutting can also involve severing the workpiece, in particular, separating sheets from a workpiece in web form.

[0010] At least one cutting element can be engraved into the roller surface. This allows the roller and cutting element to be designed as a single component, which can achieve increased stability.

[0011] Alternatively, the at least one cutting element can be designed as a separate element and detachably attached to the roller surface. This allows for adaptability of the roller. For example, if the at least one cutting element becomes worn, it can be readjusted or replaced. With an engraved cutting element, however, wear requires replacing the roller or re-engraving the roller. Both are more complex and associated with higher costs.

[0012] In a design with a releasably attached cutting element, the roller body can have a threaded hole, and the at least one cutting element can have a complementary through-hole. The cutting element can then be releasably secured in the threaded hole with a screw connection. For additional security of the at least one cutting element, a thread adhesive, for example, can be used, which prevents or at least impedes accidental loosening while still allowing further loosening.

[0013] The at least one cutting element can be arranged next to the at least one embossing element in the axial direction of the roller. Such an arrangement is advantageous, for example, for punching out lateral openings and / or for at least partially removing or separating side edges of the workpiece.

[0014] Alternatively, the at least one cutting element can be arranged upstream or downstream of the at least one embossing element in the direction of rotation of the roller. Such an arrangement is advantageous, for example, for punching out passages upstream and / or downstream of the at least one embossing element in the direction of travel of the workpiece and / or for separating the workpiece.

[0015] The roller can also have at least two cutting elements, wherein the at least two cutting elements are arranged on different sides of the at least one embossing element in the axial direction of the roller, or wherein the at least two cutting elements are arranged on different sides of the at least one embossing element in the direction of rotation of the roller. Thus, cutting can be performed on both sides of the at least one embossing element.

[0016] The roller can also have at least three cutting elements, with at least one cutting element being arranged next to the embossing element in the axial direction of the roller and at least one cutting element being arranged in front of or behind the at least one embossing element in the direction of rotation of the roller. An arrangement of the cutting elements with at least one cutting element being arranged next to the at least one embossing element in the axial direction and at least one cutting element being arranged in front of or behind the at least one embossing element in the radial direction is preferred. This allows the advantages and possibilities of the different arrangements to be combined. Particularly preferably, more than one embossing element can also be provided, with each embossing element being able to be combined with several cutting elements.

[0017] Particularly if at least one cutting element is designed as a separate element, additional fastening options, such as threaded holes, can be provided on the roller to allow the at least one detachably attached cutting element to be removably attached to different positions on the roller depending on the application. This allows the roller to be used, for example, to punch out different surface structures without having to replace the entire roller.

[0018] The at least one cutting element can have a cutting contour with at least one continuous cutting edge. A continuous cutting edge is understood here to mean that the cutting edge has no recesses or recesses, making it particularly suitable for removing material from a workpiece, at least in certain areas, by cutting or punching.

[0019] Alternatively, the at least one cutting element can have a cutting contour with at least one opening in the cutting edge. Openings are understood here to mean, in particular, depressions or recesses, allowing, for example, perforation of a workpiece. Other shapes and contours of the at least one cutting element are also possible within the meaning of the invention. The exact design depends on the respective application.

[0020] Preferably, the at least one embossing element and the at least one cutting element are arranged at a distance from one another on the roller. The distance is more than 0 mm, preferably more than 1 mm, particularly preferably more than 10 mm.

[0021] The roller material can essentially be a metallic or ceramic material. These materials have the advantage of being able to withstand the mechanical stresses encountered during embossing or cutting.

[0022] Alternatively, the roller material can consist primarily of a synthetic material. Synthetic materials are lighter than metallic or ceramic materials, making roller replacement easier and requiring less robust bearings. For improved roller rigidity, the synthetic material can be carbon fiber reinforced.

[0023] The roller preferably has a wear-resistant coating. This is particularly advantageous when the roller material comprises a synthetic material. This protects the roller material from wear and thus increases its durability.

[0024] A further aspect of the invention is directed to an embossing and cutting tool comprising a first roller according to the invention and a second roller according to the invention. The second roller has at least one embossing element complementary to the at least one embossing element of the first roller and at least one cutting element complementary to the at least one cutting element of the first roller.

[0025] An embossing and cutting tool is understood here, for example, to be a so-called cassette, which typically comprises two rollers. In the prior art, such cassettes are used as embossing or cutting tools. Because the embossing and cutting tool according to the invention comprises two rollers according to the invention, which have complementary embossing and cutting elements, the invention enables embossing and cutting to be combined in a single process step.

[0026] Preferably, the at least one complementary cutting element of the second roller can be designed as a flat counter element. Alternatively, the at least one complementary cutting element of the second roller can have a cutting contour. Depending on the application and the material of the workpiece, one or the other embodiment may be preferred.

[0027] The distance between the at least one cutting element of the first roller and the at least one embossing element of the first roller, and the distance between the at least one complementary cutting element of the second roller and the at least one complementary embossing element, can be designed such that an axis of the at least one cutting element of the first roller and an axis of the at least one complementary cutting element of the second roller are aligned. This ensures advantageous intermeshing of the complementary cutting elements, allowing the cutting to meet high tolerance requirements.

[0028] Preferably, the first roller and the second roller each have two spacer rings. The spacer rings can prevent damage to the cutting elements by being manufactured to a defined diameter and serving as spacers between the rollers. Thus, when the rollers move together, they can prevent a gap between the rollers from becoming so small that a cutting edge of one cutting element strikes a complementary cutting element, which could lead to damage. Furthermore, the spacer rings enable the rollers to be pre-tensioned. The spacer rings are arranged particularly on the outside, at the so-called barrel edge of the rollers. Furthermore, the spacer rings can be designed as bearer rings.

[0029] Preferably, the spacer rings are beveled at an angle. This allows the invention to vary the gap distance between the rollers. An angle of 0° means that a running surface of the spacer rings is aligned parallel to the bale surface. This corresponds to the case where the gap distance cannot be varied and is therefore fixed. The angle is particularly preferably in a range between 0 and 10°.

[0030] A further aspect of the invention relates to a rotary manufacturing method in which a workpiece is embossed and cut in a single method step by an embossing and cutting tool according to the invention. The invention thus enables the manufacture of such a workpiece with less technical complexity compared to methods in which the embossing and cutting steps are carried out separately. Furthermore, greater accuracy can be achieved because synchronization of the separate steps, for example, by register control, is no longer required or is at least simplified. This is particularly advantageous when stringent requirements regarding permissible tolerances are placed on production, such as for bipolar plates or half-plates for bipolar plates.

[0031] A further aspect of the invention relates to a half-plate produced according to a manufacturing method according to the invention. The material of the half-plate preferably comprises a graphite-based material.

[0032] The invention further relates to a bipolar plate comprising two half-plates according to the invention. Since the embossing and cutting during the production of the half-plates are carried out in a single step, even high tolerance requirements for the surface structure of the bipolar plate and the media passages can be met. At the same time, the reduced technical complexity of the production process allows for time and cost savings.

[0033] Further details of the invention are explained with reference to the following figures. Figure 1 shows a rotary manufacturing process with the steps of embossing and cutting using separate cassettes from the prior art; Figure 2 shows an embossing and cutting tool according to the invention comprising two rollers with combined embossing and cutting elements; Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of the embossing and cutting elements of the embossing and cutting tool according to the invention; Figure 4 shows an embodiment of embossing and cutting elements for an embossing and cutting tool according to the invention; Figure 5 shows an embodiment of an embossing and cutting tool according to the invention with spacer rings having a straight running surface; and Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of an embossing and cutting tool according to the invention with spacer rings having an inclined running surface.

[0034] Figure 1shows a rotary manufacturing process according to the current state of the art in a roll-to-roll process for producing flat components such as plates, which for example have certain, in particular filigree surface geometries and / or media passages. A typical application is half plates for bipolar plates or bipolar plates themselves, in particular for fuel cells.

[0035] As in Figure 1As can be seen, embossing and cutting are performed in separate embossing and cutting tools, so-called cassettes, each of which comprises two rollers. A starting material 200 is provided as web material by an unwinder 300, and the first cassette 400 embosses the web material, for example, with a desired surface structure. The web material then runs through a second cassette 500, which punches out corresponding media channels and / or separates the entire plate 600 from the web 200. Excess material 700 is removed accordingly.

[0036] However, separating embossing and cutting requires that both cassettes (500 and 600) run synchronously, or a register control system must be used. Both involve considerable technical effort. Especially in bipolar plate production, the tolerances between embossing and cutting edges are so tight that they cannot be achieved with current technology, or only with extreme effort.

[0037] Therefore, there is a need to enable the simplest possible production of flat components with high precision. Figure 2shows an embossing and cutting tool 100, comprising a first roller 10 and a second roller 11. The first roller 10 has an embossing element 1, a first cutting element 3, and a second cutting element 4. The second roller 11 has an embossing element 1 complementary to the embossing element 1 of the first roller 11, a third cutting element 9 complementary to the first cutting element 3, and a fourth cutting element 5 complementary to the second cutting element 4.

[0038] Because the first 10 and second 11 rollers comprise both the cutting elements 3, 4, 5, 9 and the embossing elements 1, the embossing and cutting tool 100 allows for reduced technical complexity by allowing embossing and cutting to be performed in one cassette. This eliminates a process step, while at the same time eliminating the need for synchronization of separate embossing and cutting cassettes or register control, or at least simplifying the implementation.

[0039] Figure 3shows the embossing element 1 and the cutting elements 3, 4, 5, 9 in an enlarged view. Here, it can be seen that the first cutting element 3 and the third cutting element 9, which complements the first, are engraved into the roller surface. The second cutting element 4 and the complementary fourth cutting element 5, on the other hand, are designed as separate elements and are detachably attached to the roller surface. The detachable attachment enables, for example, the replacement or readjustment of the cutting elements 4, 5. This means, for example, that different cutting contours can be used for different workpieces 2. Permanently engraved cutting elements 3, 9, on the other hand, are fundamentally more robust and less prone to errors, for example due to incorrect positioning.

[0040] For the releasable attachment of the cutting elements 4, 5, the roller bodies of the first roller 10 and the second roller 11 each have a threaded hole 7. The cutting elements 4, 5 have a corresponding, complementary through-hole 6, so that the cutting elements are releasably attached in the threaded hole 7 with a screw connection (not shown).

[0041] In embodiments not shown, the first roller 10 and / or the second roller 11 can have more than one threaded hole 7. This makes it possible for the cutting elements 4, 5 to be arranged at different positions on the first roller 10 or the second roller 11, depending on the application. Furthermore, it is also possible to use additional cutting elements. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, all cutting elements 3, 4, 5, 9 can be engraved or detachably attached. A configuration with only engraved cutting elements is more stable and less prone to errors, whereas a configuration with only detachably attached cutting elements 3, 4, 5, 9 offers more flexibility. Conventional use in a device with separate embossing and cutting as a cutting tool or, after removal of the cutting elements 3, 4, 5, 9, as an embossing tool is also possible.

[0042] The cutting elements 3, 4, 5, 9 are arranged here in the axial direction x of the first roller 10 and the second roller 11 next to the at least one embossing element 1. In alternative embodiments not shown, the cutting elements 3, 4, 5, 9 can be arranged in front of or behind the at least one embossing element 1 in the direction of rotation r of the roller 10, 11. These two arrangements of the cutting elements 3, 4, 5, 9 can also be combined, so that both cutting elements 3, 4, 5, 9 in the axial direction x and cutting elements in the radial direction r of the first roller 10 and the second roller 11 are arranged next to, in front of, or behind the embossing element 1. The different arrangements offer different options for cutting plates and punching the workpiece at different positions.For example, cutting elements 3, 4, 5, 9 arranged in the axial direction x next to the embossing element 1 can be used to punch out media channels, whereas cutting elements 3, 4, 5, 9 arranged in the radial direction r can be used to cut or perforate the workpiece 2.

[0043] In embodiments not shown, the first and / or second roller 10, 11 may comprise more than one embossing element 1. Cutting elements 3, 4, 5, 9 may also be provided between embossing elements 1.

[0044] In the Figure 3In the embodiment shown, the embossing element and the cutting elements 3, 4 of the first roller 10 are arranged on the rollers 10, 11 at a distance b, and the complementary embossing element 1 and the complementary cutting elements 5, 9 of the second roller 11 are arranged at a distance a from one another. The distance a and the spacing b are more than 0 mm. In particular, the distances a and b are designed such that a respective axis y of the cutting elements 3, 4 of the first roller 10 and a respective axis z of the complementary cutting elements 5, 9 of the second roller 11 are aligned with one another. Here, therefore, the distance b is greater than the distance a, since the complementary cutting elements 5, 9 are wider than the cutting elements 3, 4 of the first roller 10. By aligning the axes y, z, an advantageous interaction of the cutting elements 3, 4 and the complementary cutting elements 5, 9 can be achieved.

[0045] The cutting elements 3, 4 each have a cutting contour, with the cutting contours having a continuous cutting edge. In this way, the cutting elements 3, 4, in conjunction with the complementary cutting elements 5, 9, each designed as a flat counter-element, enable the workpiece 2 to be punched out in specific areas. For example, the cutting contours of the cutting elements 3, 4 can be square, circular, or oval in order to punch out corresponding shapes from the workpiece 2. However, more complex shapes or a cutting element 3, 4 extending around the entire radius of the first roller 10 are also possible, for example, to separate an edge of the workpiece.

[0046] It is also possible for a cutting contour 3, 4, 5, 9 to have at least one opening in the cutting edge. This means that the cutting contour is not continuous, for example, to allow perforation of the workpiece 2. This can be advantageous, for example, if the separation of individual panels and / or the removal of sections is desired only at a later point in the manufacturing process or during use of the panels.

[0047] Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the embossing and cutting tool 100. Here, the complementary cutting elements 5, 9 of the second roller 11 also have a cutting contour. This can, for example, improve punching or perform cutting more cleanly.

[0048] Figure 5shows an embodiment of an embossing and cutting tool 100 in which the first roller 10 and the second roller 11 each have two spacer rings 8. The spacer rings are arranged at the ends, the so-called barrel edge, of the rollers 10, 11. The spacer rings 8 are designed such that their running surfaces are aligned parallel to the roller surface. The spacer rings 8 are dimensioned such that when the rollers 10, 11 move together, a gap between the rollers 10, 11 cannot become so narrow that the cutting contours of the cutting elements 3, 4 of the first roller and the complementary cutting elements 5, 9 can strike each other and become damaged. The spacer rings also enable pre-tensioning of the rollers 10, 11.

[0049] In the Figure 6In the embodiment shown, the spacer rings 8 are beveled by an angle α, so that the running surfaces of the spacer rings 8 have an inclination. The invention thus enables a gap spacing between the rollers 10, 11 to be adjusted by adjusting at least one of the rollers 10, 11 in the axial direction x. Thus, depending on the design of the embossing and / or cutting elements 1, 3, 4, 5, 9, the gap between the rollers can be adjusted to avoid damage to the embossing and / or cutting elements 1, 3, 4, 5, 9, but still achieve a desired surface structuring of the tool.

[0050] The rollers 10, 11 here essentially comprise a synthetic material, for example, a carbon fiber-reinforced elastomer. In further embodiments not shown, the synthetic material may alternatively or additionally comprise a coelastomer, polymer, or copolymer, or may be made essentially of a metallic or ceramic material.

[0051] To improve the durability of the rollers 10, 11, the rollers 10, 11 each have a wear-resistant layer. The wear-resistant layer here comprises an amorphous carbon, in particular a diamond-like carbon. Due to the advantageous hardness properties of the diamond-like carbon, a wear-resistant layer of less than 0.5 mm is sufficient to provide adequate protection against wear. In further embodiments not shown, the wear-resistant layer may additionally or alternatively comprise a metal and / or silicon.

[0052] In a rotary manufacturing process (not shown), a workpiece 2 is embossed and cut in a single process step by an embossing and cutting tool 100. This eliminates a process step, and synchronization of the separate embossing and cutting steps is not necessary. This rotary manufacturing process can thus achieve high accuracy and also save time and costs.

[0053] This rotary manufacturing process is therefore suitable, for example, for producing half-plates for bipolar plates. Such a bipolar plate comprises two half-plates. The half-plates, and thus the bipolar plates, comprise a graphite-based material as their material. For this purpose, a graphite-based sheet material for the embossing and cutting tool 100 can be provided via an unwinder in the rotary manufacturing process. The graphite-based sheet material is expandable graphite here, but can alternatively be pure graphite or another graphite composite material. Furthermore, the graphite-based sheet material can comprise a thermoset or thermoplastic as a matrix material and / or carbon black, graphene, carbon fibers, or expandable graphite as a filler.

[0054] In alternative embodiments, the half-plates produced using the rotary manufacturing process can comprise a metal-based material, so that metal-based bipolar plates can be provided. The metal-based material can also be provided in the rotary manufacturing process via an unwinder as a metal-based web material for the embossing and cutting tool 100. The metal-based web material can comprise stainless steel, titanium, and / or aluminum. Furthermore, the metal-based half-plates or bipolar plates can have a coating that comprises a precious metal such as gold, carbon, ceramic, and / or metal nitrides and can be implemented in one or more layers. Partial or selective coating can also be provided.

[0055] The features of the invention disclosed in the above description, in the drawings and in the claims may be essential for the realization of the invention both individually and in any combination. List of reference symbols:

[0056] 1 Embossing element 2 Workpiece 3 Engraved cutting element 4 Detachably attached cutting element 5 Complementary, detachably attached cutting element 6 Through hole 7 Threaded hole 8 Spacer ring 9 Complementary, engraved cutting element 10 First roller 11 Second roller 100 Embossing and cutting tool 200 Web material 300 Unwinder 400 First cassette for embossing 500 Second cassette for cutting 600 Separated sheets 700 Excess material a Distance between complementary cutting element and complementary embossing element b Distance between cutting element and embossing element r Rotation direction x Axial direction y Axis of a cutting element of the first roller z Axis of a cutting element of the second roller α Angle

Claims

1. Roller (10, 11) for a rotary manufacturing process, wherein the roller (10, 11) has at least one embossing element (1) and at least one cutting element (3, 4, 5, 9).

2. Roller (10, 11) according to claim 1, wherein (i) the at least one cutting element (3, 4, 5, 9) is engraved into the roller surface, or (ii) the at least one cutting element (3, 4, 5, 9) is designed as a separate element and is detachably fastened to the roller surface, wherein optionally the roller body has a threaded hole (7), the at least one cutting element (4, 5) has a complementary through-hole (6) and the cutting element (4, 5) is detachably fastened in the threaded hole (7) by a screw connection.

3. Roller (10, 11) according to one of the preceding claims, in which (a) the at least one cutting element (3, 4, 5, 9) is arranged next to the at least one embossing element (1) in the axial direction (x) of the roller (10, 11); and / or (b) the at least one cutting element (3, 4, 5, 9) is arranged in front of or behind the at least one embossing element (1) in the direction of rotation (r) of the roller (10, 11).

4. Roller (10, 11) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising (i) at least two cutting elements (3, 4, 5, 9), wherein the at least two cutting elements (3, 4, 5, 9) are arranged in the axial direction (x) of the roller (10, 11) on different sides of the at least one embossing element (1) or wherein the at least two cutting elements (3, 4, 5, 9) are arranged in the direction of rotation (r) of the roller (10, 11) on different sides of the at least one embossing element (1) and / or (ii) at least three cutting elements (3, 4, 5, 9), wherein at least one cutting element (3, 4, 5, 9) is arranged in the axial direction (x) of the roller (10, 11) next to the embossing element (1) and at least one cutting element (3, 4, 5, 9) in the direction of rotation (r) of the Roller (10, 11) is arranged in front of or behind the at least one embossing element (1).

5. Roller (10, 11) according to one of the preceding claims, in which (a) the cutting element (3, 4, 5, 9) has a cutting contour with at least one continuous cutting edge; (b) the cutting element (3, 4, 5, 9) has a cutting contour with at least one opening in the cutting edge; (c) the at least one embossing element (1) and the at least one cutting element (3, 4, 5, 9) are arranged at a distance from one another on the roller (10, 11), wherein a distance (a, b) is more than 0 mm, preferably more than 1 mm, particularly preferably more than 10 mm; (d) the roller material essentially comprises a metallic or ceramic material; (e) the roller material essentially comprises a synthetic material; and / or (f) the roller (10, 11) has a wear-resistant layer.

6. Embossing and cutting tool (100), comprising a first roller (10) according to claims 1 to 15 and a second roller (11) according to claims 1 to 15, wherein the second roller (11) has at least one embossing element (1) complementary to the at least one embossing element (1) of the first roller (11) and at least one cutting element (5, 9) complementary to the at least one cutting element (3, 4).

7. Embossing and cutting tool (100) according to claim 6, wherein (i) the at least one complementary cutting element (5, 9) of the second roller (11) is designed as a flat counter element; or (ii) the at least one complementary cutting element (5, 9) of the second roller (11) has a cutting contour.

8. Embossing and cutting tool (100) according to one of claims 6 to 7, wherein a distance (b) of the at least one cutting element (3, 4) of the first roller (10) to the at least one embossing element (1) of the first roller (10) and a distance (a) of the at least one complementary cutting element (5, 9) of the second roller (11) to the at least one complementary embossing element (1) are designed such that an axis (y) of the at least one cutting element (3, 4) of the first roller (10) and an axis (z) of the at least one complementary cutting element (5, 9) of the second roller (11) are aligned with one another.

9. Embossing and cutting tool (100) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the first roller (10) and the second roller (11) each have two spacer rings (8).

10. Embossing and cutting tool (100) according to claim 9, wherein the spacer rings (8) are bevelled by an angle (cL).

11. Embossing and cutting tool (100) according to claim 10, wherein the angle (a) lies in a range between 0 and 10°.

12. Rotary manufacturing method in which a workpiece (2) is embossed and cut in one process step by an embossing and cutting tool (100) according to one of claims 6 to 11.

13. Half-plate produced by a manufacturing process according to claim 12.

14. A half-plate according to claim 13, which (i) comprises a graphite-based material as the material; or (ii) comprises a metal-based material as the material.

15. A bipolar plate comprising two half-plates according to any one of claims 13 to 14.

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