Fuel Cell Supply Chain: Canadian Manufacturing Suppliers Landscape Analysis

摘要

We provide a landscape analysis for Canadian manufacturing suppliers of fuel cell technologies by focusing on identification and categorization of targeted manufacturing equipment suppliers. The manufacturing needs are identified by fuel cells original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and are fine tuned by the execution of a landscape gaps analysis. The needs for Canadian manufacturers are classified into three specified areas, defined by the OEMs; high precision liquid injection molding; fast tooling (e.g. 3D printer) for production of thermoformed tray; and vision system for touch-less inspection and quality testing. The landscape of the newly added suppliers, particularly in the machine vision system area, was then analyzed in a great detail. The analysis of the database showed a relatively strong supply chain on machine vision systems, with a wide range of capabilities existing from software solution to high resolution cameras, camera components, image analysis equipment, and hardware integration. We have also identified firms active in liquid injection modeling and thermoplastic trays. The gap analysis has shown lack of existing services and equipment with specializations on quality control processes during fuel cell fabrication. Moreover, further analysis is required to categorize existing capabilities in these two areas, particularly those relevant to fuel cell manufacturing processes.