Method for cutting multi-layer laminated materials

Abstract

To provide a stack of multiple layers forming a part of a fuel cell, and a method for cutting a stack of at least two layers.SOLUTION: The cutting method comprises: using a laser (40) generating a pulsed beam directed toward a stack (10); piloting the beam so as to follow a pattern to be cut in the stack (10); where the pulse duration of the beam is lower than 10 ps, where the fluence (Φ) of the beam is greater than 127 J / cm2, and where the pulse overlap (θ) of the beam between two successive pulses is greater than 50%.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field] 【0001】 The present invention relates to a method for cutting a laminate of at least two layers. Such a method can be used, in particular, for cutting a multi-layer laminate that constitutes a portion of a fuel cell. [Background technology] 【0002】 The present invention is particularly situated within the context of the manufacture of fuel cell assemblies. In fact, as shown in Figure 1, a conventional fuel cell 80 has a laminate of different layers, each having a specific function. Specifically, a conventional fuel cell 80 has, in this order, a negative electrode separator 81, a negative electrode gas diffusion layer 82, a negative electrode catalyst layer 83, a membrane 84, a positive electrode catalyst layer 85, a positive electrode diffusion layer 86, and a positive electrode separator 87. 【0003】 The separators 81 and 87 have tubes for supplying reagents for the battery reaction, and optionally, a coolant for cooling the fuel cell 80. The separators 81 and 87 also serve to guide the current generated in the fuel cell 80 to the terminals of an adjacent battery or fuel cell 80. 【0004】 The gas diffusion layers 82 and 86 described above are intended to allow the diffusion of the reagent from the separators 81 and 87 to the corresponding catalyst layers 83 and 85, and the diffusion of the reaction product from the catalyst layers 83 and 85 to the corresponding separators 81 and 87. For example, such diffusion is made possible by porosity. 【0005】 The catalyst layers 83 and 85 constitute the positive and negative electrodes, respectively, where half-reactions occur to ensure the function of the fuel cell 80. Typically, such catalyst layers 83 and 85 are porous to allow the introduction of reagents and the discharge of reaction products. As their names suggest, each catalyst layer 83 and 85 contains a catalyst capable of functioning as a catalyst for the corresponding half-reaction of the fuel cell 80. 【0006】 The film 84 described above is intended to block electrons generated by oxidation half-reactions at the negative electrode while allowing some ion movement between the positive electrode catalyst layer 83 and the negative electrode catalyst layer 85. 【0007】 Typically, fuel cells are manufactured continuously on a movable belt manufacturing line. A known manufacturing line 90 is shown in Figure 2. In such a manufacturing line 90, a laminate 91 having a negative electrode gas diffusion layer 82, a negative electrode catalyst layer 83, and a membrane 84 is supplied as a continuous belt supported by a support belt. The laminate 91 passes between two rotating rolls 93a and 93b of a rotary press 93; the upper roll 93a has a blade 93c of a predetermined shape, so the laminate 91 is periodically cut according to the predetermined shape. 【0008】 Thus, in conventional manufacturing methods, the laminate is cut thanks to the rotating blade 93c. However, such a rotating blade 93c has the disadvantage of wearing out easily and quickly, which can lead to inaccurate or incomplete cutting over time. Furthermore, since this blade 93c is an integral part with the roll 93a, each time the shape to be cut is changed, it is necessary to manufacture a different, unique roll with a blade 93c corresponding to the desired new shape, which is particularly cumbersome and costly. Finally, the use of such a blade involves physical contact with fuel cell components, which can lead to unwanted contamination. 【0009】 Therefore, there is a need for a method for cutting at least two-layer laminates that can overcome at least some of the shortcomings of known methods. [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem] 【0010】 This invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems. 【0011】 The present invention relates to a method for cutting a laminate of at least two layers, wherein the method is -A laser is used to generate a pulsed beam directed towards the above-mentioned laminate, - Including guiding the beam along the cutting pattern in the laminate, The pulse width of the above beam is less than 10 ps. The fluence of the above beam is 127 J / cm². 2 Larger than, The cutting method provides a pulse overlap of the above beam between two consecutive pulses that is greater than 50%. 【0012】 In this disclosure, expressions such as “smaller,” “larger,” and “between” should be interpreted in their broadest sense, including the case where they are “the same.” 【0013】 Thanks to such lasers that generate a pulsed beam directed at the laminate, the laminate can be easily and efficiently cut without the use of mechanical blades. Therefore, unlike mechanical blades that wear down and become dull, the accuracy and efficiency of the laser are maintained at a high level and do not decrease over time. 【0014】 Furthermore, the laser beam can be freely guided to cut any desired pattern. In this respect, the pattern to be cut can be changed simply by modifying the laser guidance program, without the need to change any mechanical parts. As a result, after manufacturing cut parts of a predetermined size, it is possible to easily and without delay switch to cut parts of other sizes. Therefore, the purchase and storage of multiple mechanical blades is eliminated, and the uptime of the production line is optimized. 【0015】 Furthermore, by using ultrashort laser pulses, precise cutting can be achieved at the scale of just a few atoms, reducing the risk of damaging layers along the beam path. In particular, the parameters mentioned above enable successful cutting of such two-layer laminates while limiting the occurrence of surrounding damage. 【0016】 In some embodiments, the laminate is a membrane electrode assembly having at least a membrane laminated with each other and a catalyst layer. The method according to the present invention is particularly useful in the framework of fuel cell manufacturing. 【0017】 In some embodiments, the membrane electrode assembly further has a gas diffusion layer that is cut by a laser beam. It is certainly advantageous to cut as many layers as possible in one laser operation. 【0018】 In some embodiments, the membrane electrode assembly has a first catalyst layer on the first surface side of the membrane and a second catalyst layer on the second surface side of the membrane. 【0019】 In some embodiments, the membrane is a proton exchange membrane. 【0020】 In some embodiments, the membrane includes a fluoropolymer, optionally a sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene-based fluoropolymer copolymer. In particular, the membrane may be made of commercially available Nafion. 【0021】 In some embodiments, the catalyst layer includes platinum and carbon. 【0022】 In some embodiments, the gas diffusion layer includes carbon and PTFE. In particular, the gas diffusion layer may be a microporous non-woven carbon paper containing PTFE. 【0023】 In some embodiments, the thickness of the membrane is greater than 5 μm and optionally greater than 15 μm. However, the thickness of the membrane may be less than 50 μm. 【0024】 In some embodiments, the thickness of the catalyst layer is greater than 5 μm and optionally greater than 10 μm. However, the thickness of the catalyst layer may be less than 15 μm. 【0025】 In some embodiments, the thickness of the gas diffusion layer is greater than 100 μm, optionally greater than 150 μm, and optionally greater than 200 μm. However, the thickness of the gas diffusion layer may be less than 250 μm. 【0026】 In some embodiments, the pulse width of the beam is less than 8 ps, optionally less than 500 fs, and optionally less than 350 fs. The smaller the pulse width, the more accurately and cleanly the material can be cut. 【0027】 In some embodiments, the spot diameter of the beam is less than 10 μm. The smaller the spot diameter, the more accurately and cleanly the cutting can be performed. 【0028】 In some embodiments, the spot diameter of the beam is greater than 1 μm. With respect to the spot diameter, a compromise must be found between cutting accuracy and the time required to complete the cutting operation, and such a minimum value is sufficient to ensure an acceptable cutting speed. 【0029】 In some embodiments, the wavelength of the beam is between 400 and 1100 nm, optionally between 500 and 580 nm, and optionally between 515 and 540 nm. 【0030】 In some embodiments, the fluence of the beam is 250 J / cm². 2 It is greater than or equal to. The above fluence value can be adjusted depending on the number and thickness of the layers to be cut. 【0031】 In some embodiments, the fluence of the beam is 500 J / cm². 2 Smaller than that, and optionally 300 J / cm² 2 Smaller than that, and optionally 150 J / cm² 2 It is smaller than that. With respect to the above fluence, a compromise must be found between the cutting efficiency, and therefore the number of repetitions required to completely cut the laminate, and the degree to which we want to suppress surrounding damage during the cutting operation. 【0032】 In some embodiments, the output power of the laser is greater than 1W, optionally greater than 5W, and optionally greater than 10W. However, the output power of the laser may be less than 20W. 【0033】 In some embodiments, the pulse frequency of the beam is greater than 50 kHz and optionally greater than 100 kHz. 【0034】 In some embodiments, the pulse frequency of the beam is less than 500 kHz and optionally less than 400 kHz. 【0035】 In some embodiments, the overlap of the pulses of the beam is greater than 80%, optionally greater than 90%, and optionally greater than 95%. The pulse overlap must be a compromise between the cutting efficiency, and therefore the number of repetitions required to completely cut the laminate, and the time required to complete the cutting operation. 【0036】 In some embodiments, each portion of the pattern to be cut is swept once by the laser beam. Therefore, the duration of the cutting operation may be quite short. 【0037】 In some embodiments, at least a predetermined portion of the pattern to be cut is swept by the laser beam more than once and up to 10 times, optionally two, three, or four times. Such an option is preferred when the number and / or thickness of the layers is important to ensure that the pattern to be cut is completely cut through the entire thickness of the laminate. 【0038】 In some embodiments, a support sublayer is provided beneath the laminate during the use of the laser, and the support sublayer is not cut by the beam. Such a support sublayer can improve the cutting efficiency of the laser beam while suppressing damage to the surrounding area. In particular, using such a support sublayer allows the same laminate to be cut with less fluence, less beam overlap, and / or fewer repetitions, thereby reducing the duration of the cutting operation and / or damage to the surrounding area. 【0039】 In some embodiments, the supporting sublayer is composed of an inorganic material, optionally a metal, ceramic, or glass. These materials significantly improve cutting efficiency and are considerably resistant to laser impact. 【0040】 In some embodiments, the sublayer is made of an organic material, optionally a polymeric material, and in particular, the sublayer may be made of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). This material is particularly adapted to provide a movable sublayer used in roll-to-roll systems. 【0041】 In some embodiments, the thickness of the support sublayer is between 0.1 mm and 50 mm, and optionally between 0.5 mm and 10 mm. 【0042】 In some embodiments, the laminate is clamped by a clamping tool while the laser is in use. Such a clamping tool allows the laminate to be kept in a precise position relative to the laser and reduces local deformation of the laminate in particular, which thus helps to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the cutting operation. 【0043】 The above features and advantages, and other aspects, will become apparent when reading the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the presented method for cutting at least two layers of laminate. This detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. 【0044】 The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, where similar reference numerals indicate similar elements. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0045】 [Figure 1] A known fuel cell is shown. [Figure 2] This shows a manufacturing line for a known fuel cell. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the cutting process of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the cutting process of the present invention. [Figure 5] This shows the clamping tool. [Figure 6] This shows the overlap of pulses. [Figure 7] The experimental results of the first test are shown below. [Figure 8] The experimental results of the first test are shown below. [Figure 9] The experimental results from the second test are shown below. [Figure 10] The experimental results from the second test are shown below. [Figure 11] The experimental results of the third test are shown below. [Figure 12] The experimental results of the third test are shown below. [Figure 13] The experimental results of the third test are shown below. [Figure 14] The experimental results of the fourth test are shown below. [Figure 15] The experimental results of the fourth test are shown below. [Figure 16] The experimental results of the fourth test are shown below. [Figure 17] The experimental results of the fifth test are shown below. [Figure 18] The experimental results of the fifth test are shown below. [Figure 19] The experimental results of the fifth test are shown below. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0046】 To make the present invention more specific, exemplary embodiments of the proposed method for cutting laminates are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be recalled that the present invention is not limited to these examples. 【0047】 Figure 3 shows a membrane electrode composite 10 intended to be cut. This membrane electrode composite 10 is a laminate of three layers: a gas diffusion layer 12, a catalyst layer 13, and a membrane 14. In this example, the gas diffusion layer 12 and the catalyst layer 13 are on the negative electrode side of the fuel cell, but the present invention naturally involves a similar application to the positive electrode layer. 【0048】 In this example, the gas diffusion layer 12 is a finely porous nonwoven carbon paper containing PTFE, which is commercially available under the name SGL Sigracet 22BB, and the thickness of the gas diffusion layer 13 corresponds to 215 μm. 【0049】 In this example, the catalyst layer 13 is a platinum and carbon layer with a platinum content of 46.8% wt, which is commercially available from Tanaka Kikinzoku Kogyo, and the thickness of the catalyst layer 13 corresponds to 5 μm. 【0050】 In this example, the above-mentioned film 14 is a film made from Nafion, which is commercially available under the name NC500, and the thickness of the film corresponds to 15 μm. 【0051】 The membrane electrode composite 10 is supported by a sublayer 20. This sublayer 20 may be made of a different material, such as PEEK, glass, or ceramic. 【0052】 During the cutting process, as shown in Figure 4, the membrane electrode composite 10 is clamped into the clamping tool 30 shown in Figure 5. The clamping tool 30 has a rectangular shape and therefore has a clamping base 31 that defines a rectangular central recess 32. The clamping base 31 has shoulders 33 that border the periphery of the central recess 32. Within this central recess 32, a height adjustment insert 34 is positioned, lying on the shoulders 33, and a sub-layer 20 is positioned, lying on the height adjustment insert 34. The upper surface 31a of the clamping base 31 is provided with a groove 35 that surrounds the central recess 32. 【0053】 The clamping tool 30 has a rectangular shape and therefore also has a clamping cover 36 that partitions a rectangular central window 37. The bottom surface 36a of the clamping cover 36 is provided with a seal 38, such as an O-ring type, which surrounds the central window 37 and is positioned to engage with a groove 35 when the clamping cover 36 is pressed against the clamping base 31. 【0054】 During the cutting process, the membrane electrode composite 10 is attached to the upper surface 31a of the clamping base 31 and to the sub-layer 20 which is flush with the upper surface 31a. Then, the clamping lid 36 is pressed against the clamping base 31, and the end of the membrane electrode composite 10 is tightened between the seal 38 and the groove 35. 【0055】 The cutting operation is performed by laser 40. In this example, laser 40 is a Trumpf brand femtolaser. Specifically, laser 40 has a pulse width of 350 fs, a wavelength of 532 nm (green light), and a spot diameter d of 4 μm (focal plane of the beam). The output power P of laser 40 is adjustable, and in this example, it is adjustable between 5 W and 10 W. The pulse frequency f is also adjustable, and in this example, it is between 100 kHz and 400 kHz. Therefore, in this example, the fluence Φ of laser 40 can be derived from the pulse frequency f and the laser output power P, and is 32 J / cm². 2 From 255 J / cm 2 It is adjustable between these two points. 【0056】 The beam of the laser 40 is manipulated by the pilot unit so as to follow the pattern to be cut in the membrane electrode assembly 10. During the cutting operation, the laser beam is manipulated from one pulse to the other to ensure the overlap of the spots affected by the laser beam. This overlap of the pulses is schematically shown in FIG. 6, where the circle 41 corresponds to the spot of the laser beam during a predetermined pulse, and the circle 42 corresponds to the spot of the laser beam during the pulse immediately after the above-mentioned predetermined pulse. Therefore, the hatch area 43 is the area where two consecutive circles 41 and 42 overlap, Δx is the pitch between the circles 41 and 42 of two consecutive pulses, and thus the overlap θ of the pulses is defined as the ratio of this pitch Δx to the spot diameter d. 【0057】 Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 7 to 19, the test results are shown. 【0058】 In the first test, corresponding to FIGS. 7 and 8, a two-layer laminate having the catalyst layer 13 and the membrane 14 was cut without using a sublayer. The above-mentioned laser 40 was used with different parameters. Specifically, using a different parameter set each time, attempts were made to cut 36 squares of 5×5 mm. In this test grid, as shown in detail in the table of FIG. 7, values of three pulse frequencies f, two laser outputs P, and six values of pulse overlap θ were tested. The squares that were cut normally after one repetition of the laser 40 are indicated by thick frames in the table. 【0059】 Therefore, it can be seen that all squares except six were cut normally. Among the failed tests, numbers 16, 17, and 18 correspond to a fluence Φ of 31.8 J / cm with a pulse overlap θ less than 70%, and numbers 12, 35, and 36 correspond to a fluence Φ of 63.7 J / cm with a pulse overlap θ less than 60%. 2 The beam of the laser 40 is manipulated by the pilot unit so as to follow the pattern to be cut in the membrane electrode assembly 10. During the cutting operation, the laser beam is manipulated from one pulse to the other to ensure the overlap of the spots affected by the laser beam. This overlap of the pulses is schematically shown in FIG. 6, where the circle 41 corresponds to the spot of the laser beam during a predetermined pulse, and the circle 42 corresponds to the spot of the laser beam during the pulse immediately after the above-mentioned predetermined pulse. Therefore, the hatch area 43 is the area where two consecutive circles 41 and 42 overlap, Δx is the pitch between the circles 41 and 42 of two consecutive pulses, and thus the overlap θ of the pulses is defined as the ratio of this pitch Δx to the spot diameter d. 2 corresponds to. 【0060】 Figure 8 is a photograph of the two-layer laminate after testing. It can be seen that the cut lines are neat and there was no significant damage to the surrounding area. 【0061】 In the second test, corresponding to Figures 9 and 10, the gas diffusion layer 12 was cut alone without the use of a sublayer. The laser 40 described above was used with different parameters. Specifically, for each square, the same set of parameters as above was used to attempt cutting 36 squares of the same grid. Squares that were successfully cut after two passes of the laser 40 are indicated by a thick border in the table in Figure 9, and squares that were successfully cut after three passes are indicated by a thin border. No squares were successfully cut after one pass. 【0062】 Therefore, after only two repetitions, it was found that only two squares (numbers 19 and 20) were successfully cut, and these tests had a pulse overlap θ greater than 90% at 254.6 J / cm². 2 This corresponds to the fluence Φ. The other four squares (numbers 1, 2, 7, and 25) were successfully cut after three repetitions, and these tests yielded 63.7 J / cm with a pulse overlap θ corresponding to 95%. 2 A pulse with a fluence Φ or pulse overlap θ greater than 90% is 127.3 J / cm². 2 It responds to fluence. 【0063】 Figure 10 is a photograph of the gas diffusion layer 12 after testing. It can be seen that the cut line is neat and there was no significant damage to the surrounding area. 【0064】 In the third test, corresponding to Figures 11 to 13, a sublayer 20 was used to cut a three-layer laminate having a gas diffusion layer 12, a catalyst layer 13, and a film 14. In this third test, the sublayer 20 was made from PEEK, and its thickness was greater than 100 μm. The laser 40 described above was used with different parameters. Specifically, an attempt was made to cut 20 squares of a new grid. In each row, the same parameters were used, at 100 kHz (10 W, therefore 254.6 J / cm²). 2(corresponding to the fluence Φ) or 200kHz (10W, therefore 127.3J / cm²) 2 The pulse frequency values ​​(corresponding to the fluence Φ) and the pulse overlap values ​​θ from 80% to 95% were tested from column to column. The same number of repetitions were performed in each row, and the number of repetitions was increased from one to four consecutive times from one row to the next. Successfully cut squares are indicated by the thick border in the table in Figure 11. 【0065】 Therefore, it was found that only one square (number 194) was cut successfully, and this test had a pulse overlap of θ of 254.6 J / cm² with 95% pulse overlap after 4 repetitions. 2 It corresponds to the fluence Φ. 【0066】 Figure 12 is a photograph of the laminate after testing. It was found that most of the squares that were not cut properly were damaged, and smoke was also visible. 【0067】 Figure 13 is a photograph of the sublayer 20 after another test conducted on the same laminate using the 36 square test grids described above. It was found that the sublayer showed black marks that could not be removed and were indicative of severe abrasion. 【0068】 In the fourth test, corresponding to Figures 14 to 16, the same three-layer laminate and the same test grid as in the third test were used. However, a different sub-layer 20 was used. In fact, in this fourth test, the sub-layer 20 was made of glass, more specifically quartz glass, with a thickness of 10 mm. Successfully cut squares are indicated by the thick border in the table in Figure 14. 【0069】 Therefore, 254.6 J / cm² with a pulse overlap θ of 95% 2 Using the fluence Φ, it can be seen that square 191 can be successfully cut in just one pass. After two passes, two more squares were successfully cut. Square 192 was cut at 254.6 J / cm with a 90% pulse overlap. 2Corresponding to the fluence Φ; pulse 252 has a pulse overlap θ of 95% and is 127.3 J / cm². 2 This corresponds to the fluence Φ. After repeating this three times, all squares were successfully cut. 【0070】 Figure 15 is a photograph of the laminate after testing. It can be seen that the cut lines are neat and there was no significant surrounding damage. In particular, the shrinkage of the film 14 relative to the gas diffusion layer 12 was measured, and its maximum value did not exceed 0.8 mm at the corners of some squares. 【0071】 Figure 16 is a photograph of the sublayer 20 after another test using the same laminate and the 36 square test grids described above. The scratches were easily removed, and only a low degree of wear remained. 【0072】 In the fifth test, corresponding to Figures 17 to 19, the same three-layer laminate and the same test grid as in the third test were used. However, a different sublayer 20 was used. In fact, in this fifth test, the sublayer 20 was made of ceramic, more specifically aluminum oxide (AlO3), with a thickness of 10 mm. Successfully cut squares are indicated by the thick border in the table in Figure 17. 【0073】 Therefore, 254.6 J / cm² with a pulse overlap θ of 95% 2 Using the fluence Φ, it can be seen that square number 191 can be successfully cut in a single repeat. After two repeats, a pulse overlap of 90% is observed, resulting in a pulse intensity of 254.6 J / cm². 2 The second square (number 192) corresponding to the fluence Φ was also successfully cut. After repeating the process three times, all squares were successfully cut. 【0074】 Figure 18 is a photograph of the laminate after testing. It can be seen that the cut lines are neat and there was no significant surrounding damage. In particular, the shrinkage of the film 14 relative to the gas diffusion layer 12 was measured, and the maximum values ​​did not exceed 0.2 mm at the edges and 0.4 mm at the corners. 【0075】 Figure 19 is a photograph of the sublayer 20 after another test using the same laminate and the 36 square test grids described above. It can be seen that the sublayer shows black marks. However, these black marks were easily removed, and only a low degree of wear remained. 【0076】 While this disclosure refers to specific exemplary embodiments, modifications to these examples can be provided without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In particular, individual features of different illustrated / referenced embodiments can be combined in additional embodiments. Thus, the descriptions and drawings should be considered illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

[Claim 1] A method for cutting a laminate of at least two layers, The method described above is - A laser (40) is used to generate a pulsed beam directed toward the laminate (10), - Including guiding the beam along the cutting pattern in the laminate (10), The pulse width of the aforementioned beam is less than 10 ps. The fluence (Φ) of the aforementioned beam is 127 J / cm². ２ Greater than and less than 150 J / cm² The pulse overlap (θ) of the beam between two consecutive pulses is greater than 50%. During use of the laser (40), the support sublayer (20) is provided beneath the laminate (10), and the support sublayer (20) is not cut by the beam. The support sublayer (20) is composed of an inorganic material, and the inorganic material may include metal, ceramic, or glass. The thickness of the aforementioned support sublayer (20) is between 0.1 mm and 50 mm. During the use of the laser (40), the laminate (10) is clamped by a clamping tool (30), the clamping tool (30) comprises a clamping base (31) that defines a rectangular central recess (32), shoulders (33) that frame the periphery of the central recess (32), height adjustment inserts (34) positioned on the shoulders (33), the support sublayers (20) positioned on the height adjustment inserts (34), and surrounding the central recess (32) The laminate (10) comprises a groove (35), a clamping cover (36) that demarcates a rectangular central window (37), and a seal (38) that surrounds the central window (37) and engages with the groove (35) when the clamping cover (36) is pressed against the clamping base (31), wherein when the clamping cover (36) is pressed against the clamping base (31), the end of the laminate (10) is tightened between the seal (38) and the groove (35). Cutting method. [Claim 2] The method according to claim 1, wherein the laminate (10) is a membrane electrode composite (10) having at least two laminated films (14) and a catalyst layer (13). [Claim 3] The method according to claim 2, wherein the membrane electrode composite (10) further comprises a gas diffusion layer (12) that is cut by a laser beam. [Claim 4] The method according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the membrane electrode composite (10) comprises a first catalyst layer (13) on the first surface side of the membrane (14) and a second catalyst layer (15) on the second surface side of the membrane (14). [Claim 5] The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pulse width of the beam is less than 8 ps, optionally less than 500 fs, and optionally less than 350 fs. [Claim 6] The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the spot diameter (d) of the beam is less than 10 μm. [Claim 7] The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the wavelength of the beam is between 400 and 1100 nm, optionally between 500 and 580 nm, and optionally between 515 and 540 nm. [Claim 8] The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the overlap (θ) of the pulses of the beam is greater than 80%, optionally greater than 90%, and optionally greater than 95%. [Claim 9] The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least a predetermined portion of the pattern to be cut is swept by the beam of the laser (40) more than once and up to 10 times, optionally two, three or four times. [Claim 10] The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the thickness of the support sublayer (20) is between 0.5 mm and 10 mm.