NOVELTY - A fuel cell stack comprises a fuel cell including a membrane electrode assembly, a reductant flow field proximate a first side of the membrane electrode assembly, and an oxidant flow field; and a unitary plenum housing about a periphery of a fuel cell, and having a reductant manifold in fluid communication with a reductant flow channel and an oxidant manifold in fluid communication with an oxidant flow channel. The reductant manifold and the reductant flow channel cooperate to form a reductant plenum. The oxidant manifold and the oxidant flow channel cooperate to form an oxidant plenum.    USE - For electrochemical applications.    ADVANTAGE - The stack provides uniform velocity, pressure drop, and flow distribution; provides improved corrosion resistance and increased operation lifetime; reduces the compression required on the final stack to improve the reliability of the seals and electrical contact; and allows for the use of a variety of resins.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A fuel cell stack comprises a fuel cell including a membrane electrode assembly, a reductant flow field proximate a first side of the membrane electrode assembly, a reductant flow channel extending to a periphery of the fuel cell, an oxidant flow field proximate a first side of the membrane electrode assembly, and an oxidant flow channel extending to the periphery of the fuel cell; and a unitary plenum housing about the periphery of the fuel cell. The plenum housing has a reductant manifold in fluid communication with the reductant flow channel, and an oxidant manifold in fluid communication with the oxidant flow channel. The reductant manifold and the reductant flow channel cooperate to form a reductant plenum. The oxidant manifold and the oxidant flow channel cooperate to form an oxidant plenum. The fuel cell stack further comprises a tubular insert (606) formed into one end of one of the manifolds. The insert made from a material that is compatible with the material of the plenum housing, and forms a portion of a fluid flow path including the manifold to which it is attached.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows an assembly of the stack with plenum inserts.    Plates (602)    Insert (606)    Port (703)    Holes (706)    Ring (709)