An article bearing a flow field such as a distribution plate for use in a
fuel cell is provided. The active portion of the article, i.e., the
portion of the article bearing the flow field, comprises at least two
subsections; a first central subsection and a second peripheral
subsection; wherein channels within the first subsection have a
cross-sectional profile that differs from that of channels within the
second subsection. Typically, channels of the first subsection have
lesser depth, greater draft or greater ratio of draft to depth. In
addition, an article bearing a flow field is provided where the flow
field comprises at least two channel segments which differ in draft. In
addition, an article bearing a flow field is provided where the flow
field comprises at least one channel segment comprising first and second
channel walls which differ in draft.