TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - ELECTRICAL POWER AND ENERGY - Preferred Component: Each plate has zero or one oxidant flow field and has zero or one fuel flow field. The membrane electrode assembly comprises an ion conductive layer interposed between two gas diffusion layers that comprise a catalyst. It may also comprise a composite membrane electrode assembly having an ion conductive layer interposed between gas diffusion layers and a gasket surrounding the periphery of the laminate. Each of the end plates is assembled with the electrochemical cassette(s) prior to encapsulation by the resin and prior to introduction of the sealant such that the end plates and fuel cell cassettes(s) are encapsulated and sealed in combination. The fuel stack further comprises current collector(s) encapsulated in it, and integrated tube fittings that provide inlet and outlet ports (15) for fuel, oxidant (19) and optionally coolant (17) flow.Preferred Condition: The manifold opening has a cross-section that is substantially the same as the area defined by the channel surrounding the manifold opening and the periphery of the plate. The membrane electrode assembly has substantially the same cross section as the fuel cell cassette.Preferred Material: The current collector comprises conductive material(s).    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - Preferred Material: The end plate(s) may also comprise a metal or a metal alloy. The conductive materials comprise gold or copper. It may also comprise copper applied over the gold to form a composite encapsulated current collector.    TECHNOLOGY FOCUS - POLYMERS - Preferred Material: The resin is a thermoset or thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material comprises thermoplastic olefin elastomers, thermoplastic polyurethane, plastomer, polypropylene, polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated polypropylene, or polystyrene. The thermoset material comprises epoxy resins, urethanes, silicones, fluorosilicones, or vinyl esters.Preferred Condition: The resin has a viscosity of 10,000-150,000, preferably 10,000-55,000 cP. The sealant or resin is introduced by pressure assisted resin transfer under a positive pressure of 0-50 psi, or by vacuum assisted resin transfer under a partial pressure of about 750 Torr to about 1 mTorr. It may also be introduced under a pressure differential of about +15 psi and about -15 psi, preferably by pressure assisted resin transfer.Preferred Component: The end plate(s) comprises a thermoset polymer, a thermoplastic polymer or a filled polymer composite. The filled polymer composite is a glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic or a graphite reinforced thermoplastic. The integrated tube fittings comprise silicone.