MANUFACTURING METHOD OF GAS FLOW PASSAGE FORMING MATERIAL, GAS FLOW PASSAGE FORMING MATERIAL OF METAL SEPARATOR FOR FUEL CELL, AND THROUGH-HOLE FORMING DEVICE

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a manufacturing method of a passage forming material for a fuel cell separator which ensures good gas supply and sufficient mechanical strength. SOLUTION: A primary opening area 11a where many through-holes are formed at a primary numerical aperture with high aperture ratio, and a secondary opening area 11b where many through-holes are formed at a secondary numerical aperture with an aperture ratio lower than the primary one are formed alternately in layers on a thin material (opening area forming process). Then, on the material where the through-holes are formed in such a way, a striped concave portion and striped convex portion are formed as gas flow passages. At this time, the striped concave portion and striped convex portion are formed so that the primary opening area 11a where the through-holes are formed at a primary numerical aperture may be positioned at the groove bottom on the striped concave portion (concave and convex forming process). Such a process manufactures the passage forming materials. In assembling a single cell of fuel cell, the groove bottom is brought into contact with the MEA. COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT