Fiaxell

What Fiaxell does

Fiaxell Sàrl is a Lausanne, Switzerland-based manufacturer and supplier of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) and Solid Oxide Electrolyzer (SOEC) testing equipment and consumables, founded in 2008 and operating for over a decade. The company designs and produces proprietary test fixtures, current collection components, ceramic processing consumables, and ancillary laboratory equipment used by research institutions and fuel cell developers worldwide.

The core product line centers on the Open Flanges™ test set-up, a flexible button-cell and short-stack test bench accommodating cells from small pellets to 100x100mm with integrated steamer, gas processing, and switchable SOFC/SOEC modes, and the Multi-Flanges™ (4-MF™) rig for simultaneous four-cell testing. Supporting offerings include M_Grid™ current collectors in Gold, Platinum, and Crofer 22H variants with protective spinel coatings, Cell-Connex™ chemically milled interconnects, the Easy-Steam™ and CAT-PRO™ integrated steamers, Long-Term Test and Small Pellets kits, specialty screen-printing inks and ceramic powders (NiO, YSZ, LSCF, GDC, BCY), the redox-resistant 2R-Cell™ ASC, and auxiliary equipment such as impedance spectrometers and hydrogen generators. Performance claims include up to 85% fuel utilization, electrical efficiency near 50%, contact resistance below 10 mOhm·cm² at 820°C, and furnace capability to 1320°C.

Fiaxell operates a direct manufacturer-to-customer sales model with quote-based pricing, on-site laboratory demonstrations, and free training at its Lausanne facility. Its primary customer segments are research institutions and universities (vertical-priority) and fuel cell companies (secondary), with customers documented across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Oceania, and Africa. Revenue is generated through hardware sales of test stations, current collection components, auxiliary equipment, and specialty materials, with no disclosed financial metrics and no external funding rounds on record.

Name

Fiaxell

Legal name

Fiaxell SOFC Technologies

Website

https://fiaxell.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Fiaxell Sàrl is a Lausanne-based Swiss manufacturer of SOFC/SOEC testing equipment and consumables, including the Open Flanges™ and Multi-Flanges™ test stations, M_Grid™ current collectors, Cell-Connex™ interconnects, and specialty inks and cells. It sells directly to research institutions and fuel cell developers across more than sixteen countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Fuel Cell Testing Equipment

NAICS

Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515)

SIC

Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825), Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)

akta.pro primary industry

Fuel Cell Distributed Generation (Hydrogen/Natural Gas SOFC/PEM) (EUACALAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

Process Analytical Instrumentation (Gas analyzers, spectroscopy, pH/ORP, conductivity) (IMAGAFAE)

Keywords

• Solid oxide fuel cells
• Fuel cell testing equipment
• SOFC testing fixtures
• Electrochemical measurement devices
• Ceramic processing equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Lausanne

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. SOFC/SOEC Testing Equipment Sales: Sale of test stations including Open Flanges™ and Multi-Flanges™ systems, short stack kits, tubular ceramic kits, and long-term test kits for solid oxide fuel cell and electrolyzer research.
2. Current Collection Components: Sale of proprietary M_Grid™ products including Gold, Platinum, and Crofer 22H variants, along with Cell-Connex™ interconnects for stack assembly and testing.
3. Auxiliary Equipment: Sale of impedance spectrometers, hydrogen generators (99.999% purity), hydrogen security boxes, and miscellaneous accessories including gas flow monitoring and liquid management systems.
4. Specialty Inks and Powders: Sale of specialty screen printing inks, slurries, and ceramic powders for SOFC/SOEC cell fabrication including NiO, YSZ, LSCF, GDC materials.
5. Lab Equipment and Cells: Sale of 2R-Cell™ redox resistant cells, lab tape casters, and ceramic processing equipment for cell manufacturing.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Fiaxell manufactures and supplies Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) and Solid Oxide Electrolyzer (SOEC) testing equipment and components, including test stations (Open Flanges™, Multi-Flanges™), current collection components (Gold, Platinum, and Crofer 22H M_Grid™ meshes, Cell-Connex™ interconnects), auxiliary equipment (impedance spectrometers, hydrogen generators), and specialty materials (inks, powders, 2R-Cell™). The company offers complete turnkey solutions for high-temperature fuel cell and electrolyzer research and development.

Product overview

Fiaxell is a manufacturer and supplier of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) and Solid Oxide Electrolyzer (SOEC) testing equipment and components. The product portfolio centers on test stations (Open Flanges™ and Multi-Flanges™) for button cell and short stack testing, complemented by current collection components (Gold M_Grid™, Platinum M_Grid™, Crofer 22H M_Grid™, Cell-Connex™ interconnects), auxiliary equipment (impedance spectrometers, hydrogen generators, gas security systems), and specialty materials (inks, powders, 2R-Cell™). The company offers a complete turnkey solution for high-temperature fuel cell and electrolyzer research and development, including test fixtures, consumables, and ceramic processing capabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Open Flanges™: Flexible SOFC/SOEC button cell test fixture allowing testing of cells from small pellets to medium size circular or square cells
• Multi-Flanges™ (4-MF™)
• 2R-Cell™
• Cell-Connex™
• Easy-Steam™
• CAT-PRO™
• Gold M_Grid™
• Platinum M_Grid™
• Crofer 22H M_Grid™

Products and services

• Open Flanges™ Test Set-Up A flexible SOFC/SOEC button cell test fixture that allows testing of cells from small pellets to medium size circular or square cells (up to 100x100mm). Features integrated steamer for electrolysis and gas processing, with capabilities for fuel utilization up to 85% and electrical efficiency close to 50%. Targeted at research institutions and fuel cell developers.
• Multi-Flanges™ (4-MF™) Test Rig A test fixture allowing simultaneous testing of 4 cells independently. Supports flexible cell dimensions from Ø5 to Ø40mm and square cells up to 30x30mm. Features Easy-Steam™ and CAT-PRO™ integrated steamers for H2O/CO2 electrolysis and gas processing. For SOFC/SOEC researchers.
• Short Stack Kit Flexible SOFC/SOEC short stack tester kit installable on Open Flanges™ test bench. Allows characterization and optimization of stack parameters including flow distribution, electrical contact resistance, protective coating, and sealing tightness. Available in Crofer 22 APU & 22H materials. For stack prototyping.
• Tubular Ceramic Kit Test rig for tubular ceramic cells using pure alumina tubes for gas inlet/outlet to avoid contamination. Features independent pressure setting on sealing and electrodes, with up to 80kg applicable for sealing while only 100-600g applied on electrodes for current collection.
• Long Term Test Kit Testing kit designed to avoid contaminants (chromium, sulfur, silane) in electrodes during long-term electrochemical tests exceeding 1000 hours. Features Inconel 601 flange equipped with alumina housing (>96% Al2O3) to prevent chromium poisoning. For durability and degradation studies.
• Small Pellets Testing Kit Kit for testing small and thick button cell pellets (typically 6-12mm diameter, 2-4mm thickness) with quick and reproducible mounting protocols. Uses soft vermiculite mica to block the ceramic sample during testing. For protonic and anionic conductivity measurements.
• Gas Diffuser for Water and CO2 Co-Electrolysis Specialized gas diffuser designed for SOFC/SOEC co-electrolysis. Features optimized design where H2O and CO2 are injected at cell periphery to avoid reaction with produced fuel gases (CO and H2), which are recovered in the center.
• Gold M_Grid™ Gold mesh/grid current collector (99.99% purity, mesh opening 0.9x1.4mm) designed for SOFC/SOEC testing. Flat rolled for improved electrical contact, delivered as disc, rectangle or custom shapes. Can be used hundreds of times unlike standard woven gold mesh.
• Platinum M_Grid™ Platinum mesh/grid current collector (99.95% purity) designed for high temperature (>900°C) and long period (>100h) SOFC/SOEC testing. Features elevated melting point (1768°C), flat rolled for improved electrical contact, with very low contact resistance compared to woven Pt mesh.
• Crofer 22H M_Grid™ Current collector mesh made from Crofer 22H steel with protective spinel coating (MnCo2O4 or CuMn2O4) to decrease chromium evaporation and improve electrical contact. Features mesh opening of 1.4x0.9mm with contact resistance less than 10 mOhm*cm2 at 820°C.
• Cell-Connex™ Chemically milled interconnect plates made from Crofer 22H with fine microstructure (ratio d/h of about 2). Features customizable pattern designs ideal for affordable and quick stack prototyping. Includes protective coating options (Ni-rich for fuel side, MnCo2O4 or CuMn2O4 for air side).
• Impedance Spectrometer (EIS/FRA) New generation impedance spectrometer specifically designed for fuel cell R&D. Available in 1, 2, 5, 10 Ampere units (40A with booster). Features frequency range from 10µHz to 1MHz, floating operation, 4-electrode configuration, slim design (13x27x4cm, 1.5kg), with 3-year warranty.
• Laboratory H2 Generator PEM-based hydrogen generator providing 99.999% purity H2 (6.0 also available). Features static dryer (no maintenance), 2-year warranty (30 months on PEM cell), scalable production from 120 to 700 Nml/min, auto shut-off safety. For SOFC and other fuel cell testing labs.
• H2 Security Box Gas detection security system for hydrogen, methane (CH4), and other gases. Features multiple alarm levels and automatic safety sequences including valve closure and nitrogen purging when gas concentration reaches defined safety limits.
• Miscellaneous Accessories Accessories including analog/digital mass flow controllers with readout boxes (up to 4 channels), stainless steel gas panels, peristaltic pumps for liquid fuel injection, and power supplies with IV curve capability up to 40A.
• Specialty Inks Screen printing inks, slurries, and pastes for SOFC/SOEC components including cathode, anode, electrolyte, and ceria buffer layers. Formulated with non-hazardous organic solvents and food grade binders, fully soluble in water for easy mesh cleaning.
• Powders for SOFC/SOEC Ceramic powders including 8YSZ, 3YSZ, NiO, GDC, SDC, BCY, LSCF, LSC, CuM2O4, and organic pore former for fuel cell electrolyte, anode, substrate, and cathode applications.
• 2R-Cell™ Redox-resistant anode supported cell (ASC) engineered for protection against fuel supply failure and cell peripheral re-oxidation. Combines security of first-generation electrolyte supported cell (ESC) with electrical performance of ASC, fabricated with NiO and zirconia (8YSZ & 3YSZ).
• Lab Tape-Caster Manual tape casting equipment for in-house fabrication of SOFC/SOEC cells and ceramic/metallic substrates. Casts accurate thickness from 5µm to 1mm with tolerances under 10µm on tapes up to 200x1000mm.
• Ceramic Processing Full range of ceramic processing capabilities including powders (NiO, YSZ, LSM, LSCF, LSC, GDC, BCY, BCZY, CuMn2O4), slurries, inks, binders, and lab equipment for dispersion preparation, degassing, casting, and sintering.

Quantifiable outcome

• 85% fuel utilization achieved in Open Flanges test mode
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrong collaborative relationship with EPFL, Switzerland's premier technical university. EPFL researchers (including MER Jan Van herle) have conducted extensive testing and published research using Fiaxell equipment. The JVH group has used Fiaxell integrated steamer for SOEC testing and impedance spectroscopy.
• Sintef (Norway)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorwegian research institute Sintef collaborates on SOFC/SOEC research using Fiaxell testing equipment. Dr. Per Martin Rørvik from Sintef is listed as a customer reference.
• Eifer (Germany)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEifer (European Institute for Energy Research) in Karlsruhe, Germany conducts fuel cell research using Fiaxell products. Dr. J. Dailly has published research on proton conducting ceramic cells and nanoparticle infiltration using Fiaxell equipment.
• FOM Institute DIFFER (Netherlands)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDutch research institute focused on fusion and energy research uses Fiaxell equipment for SOFC/SOEC studies. Dr. P. H. V. Aravind from TU Delft also collaborates through DIFFER.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• FuelCon (AVL FuelCon): Former FuelCon, now part of AVL, manufactures automated test stations for SOFC, PEM, and other fuel cell/electrolyzer research. Directly competes with Fiaxell's Open Flanges™ and Multi-Flanges™ benches in the same academic and commercial SOFC R&D customer base.
• Zahner-Elektrik: German maker of high-end electrochemical workstations and impedance analyzers for fuel cell, solar, and battery research. Comparable to Fiaxell's EIS/FRA spectrometer in university and industrial electrochemistry labs.
• Probostat AS: Norwegian specialist in electrochemical test fixtures and probes, including button cell holders for SOFC and SOEC. Competes with Fiaxell's Open Flanges™ and Small Pellets Testing Kit in the same university research market.
• Greenlight Innovation: Canadian supplier of fuel cell and electrolyzer test stations, electrochemical instrumentation, and automated test systems. Competes head-to-head with Fiaxell for academic and industrial SOFC/SOEC lab buildouts globally.
• Gamry Instruments: US manufacturer of potentiostats, EIS systems, and electrochemical accessories serving fuel cell, corrosion, and battery research. Competes with Fiaxell on the impedance/instrumentation side of the fuel cell R&D workflow.
• Norecs (NorECs): Norwegian supplier of electrochemical test cells, probes, and accessories for SOFC, SOEC, and battery research. Overlaps with Fiaxell's button-cell fixtures and reference-electrode products for the same Nordic and European research customers.
• Bio-Logic Science Instruments: French manufacturer of electrochemical workstations, potentiostats, and EIS/FRA instrumentation used for fuel cell and battery characterization. Direct overlap with Fiaxell's Impedance Spectrometer line for the same end-users.

Broad incumbents

• AMETEK Solartron Analytical: Established manufacturer of precision potentiostats, frequency response analyzers, and impedance analyzers. Competes with Fiaxell's Impedance Spectrometer in industrial fuel cell and battery test environments.
• Heraeus Precious Metals: Global precious metals house supplying gold and platinum mesh, gauze, and fabricated current collectors for electrochemistry. Direct competitor for Fiaxell's Gold M_Grid™ and Platinum M_Grid™ consumables at larger industrial accounts.

Emerging players

• Kerafol Keramische Folien GmbH: German manufacturer of SOFC electrolyte and electrode tapes, cells, and stacks. Source Fiaxell cites in its product imagery; tangential peer in the SOFC component/materials supply chain used by the same research customers.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fiaxell-sofc-technologies

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Fiaxell