Excellent start to the Hannover Messe

Hanover, April 2004

Masterflex AG (ISIN DE0005492938), Gelsenkirchen, is presenting possible applications of the latest generation of PEM fuel cells at the Hannover Messe Energy 2004 at the stand of the NRW State Initiative for Future Energies.

NRW Transport Minister Horstmann also took a look at the Masterflex stand. During a test drive, he convinced himself of the functionality of the Masterflex fuel cell, which, among other things, is being used for the first time in an electric bicycle.

The company has been using its extensive production know-how to successfully develop PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cells in small power ranges for around three years. Thanks to innovative components and intelligent control electronics, the so-called mini fuel cell has been advanced to market maturity. Masterflex has an extensive partner network of research institutes and companies with whom the technological lead is achieved. In 2003, Masterflex AG received an order from AIRBUS Deutschland GmbH to develop fuel cells for use in commercial aircraft.

First electric bicycle with Masterflex fuel cell

The core element of the presentation is a bicycle with an electric auxiliary drive, which is supplied with energy via the integrated Masterflex fuel cell. The fuel cell increases the range of the bicycle by a factor of five compared to conventional battery solutions and can thus enable new application prospects for electric bicycles in a cost-effective manner. As early as 2004, the first and widespread test fleets will be set up to demonstrate the economic feasibility of their use in various areas.

Latest development stage of the Power Box and the Mobile Office System

In addition, the Masterflex fuel cell case for mobile power supply with a rated power of 50 watts and the latest development stage of the Mobile Office System will be on display. The Masterflex fuel cell has been significantly reduced in size and weight, while at the same time its operating time has been increased. The operating time is now approx. 20 times longer than that of conventional rechargeable batteries and can thus power a notebook for approx. 50 hours independently of the mains.

Prototype of a 100 watt fuel cell system for explosion-proof areas and deep-sea applications

Masterflex AG will also be the first company to show a prototype of a 100 watt fuel cell system for use in explosion-proof areas and for deep-sea applications up to a depth of 6000 meters.

High-tech hose systems

In the area of high-tech hose systems, Masterflex AG will be presenting itself for the first time together with the subsidiaries Matzen & Timm GmbH and Novoplast Schlauchtechnik GmbH, which belong to the Group.

Novoplast Schlauchtechnik GmbH, Halberstadt, a subsidiary of Masterflex AG, has developed fluorescent CPU water cooling hoses that glow under UV light. The company is currently causing computer owners' eyes to light up with these. The Novoplast hoses not only provide cooling for the PC's interior, but also give it a trendy look, as more and more computers are being fitted with a transparent housing so that even the previously hidden hardware can be displayed by day and night.

For applications in the field of cooling water systems, Matzen & Timm GmbH develops individual hoses and molded parts for small to medium series sizes for the automotive, railtraction and industrial sectors in close cooperation with leading manufacturers. The Aerospace division reports that it has been awarded a contract for air-conditioning hoses, bellows, sleeves and special hoses for the AIRBUS A-380 wide-body model.

In addition to the proven hose designs from the Master-PUR and Master-Clip series, which include special hoses for conveying particularly abrasive materials or with temperature resistances up to 1,100 ° C, Masterflex AG will be exhibiting the following product innovations:

• Prototypes from the Combiflex connection system, new with FDA approval for the food and pharmaceutical industries.
• Master Protect assembly sets: polyurethane-lined wear protection systems, compatible for all bending radii
• Special high-temperature resistant molded parts for aircraft, automotive and mechanical engineering applications
• Pneumatic hoses, brake spiral hoses and medical technology hoses

Further information:

• At the trade show booth (fuel cells) in Hall 13, Booth E 76
• At the booth (hoses) in hall 4 B 40

Corporate Communications, Stephanie Kniep, Willy-Brandt-Allee 300, 45891 Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Tel. 0209-97077-44, Fax 0209-97077-20