Abstract: A fuel cell component is provided including a support plate, a membrane electrode assembly, and a resilient member. The support plate defines a bore extending between a first surface and a second surface. The membrane electrode assembly engages the second surface of the support plate. The resilient member defines a leg and a bead. The leg is disposed within the bore and adheres to the membrane electrode assembly. The bead engages the first surface of the support plate to maintain the membrane electrode assembly in engagement with the second surface of the support plate.

Abstract: A method of assembling the components of a membrane electrode sealed assembly is disclosed. The method includes employing at least one roll with cell sections in order to allow for better alignment of the cell sections of the component layers. Preferably an adhesive is pre-coated onto gasket layers, with the adhesive activated after assembly of the component layers in order to secure the membrane electrode sealed assembly together. The membrane electrode sealed assembly can then be assembled between separator plates to form an individual cell of a fuel cell assembly.