Speaker
Mr
Adrian Gomez-Torrent
(Public University of Navarra)
Description
Additive Manufacturing (AM) is gaining a lot of popularity in the space industry due to the lightweight of the 3D printed components and its versatility when producing complex monolithic 3D geometries. Even though it is not a new technology, the technological improvements in 3D printers are making them more accurate, reliable and affordable than ever. This is why many companies, universities, and research institutes are starting to use the AM as a fast and cheap technique for prototyping, or even a reliable technology for production.
In this work an overview of the different additive manufacturing techniques will be presented. Each technique will be compared in terms of dimensional accuracy, surface roughness and quality taking into account the most suitable applications for each one.
Then, two applications will be studied: (a) fast prototyping of waveguide component design using professional grade 3D printers for electromagnetic validation purposes, and (b) 3D printing of waveguide hardware products as a production technology using production grade 3D printers. The first application will be studied with a university approach, where many different designs are manufactured in order to validate a design technique or a model. The second application will be studied with a company approach, where the best quality at a lower price is pursued.
This study has been carried out by the Microwave Components and the Antenna Groups at the Public University of Navarra with the collaboration of different international-scope companies working in the Additive Manufacturing industry and the Space industry.
JUSTIFICATION FOR THE CONSIDERATION
The work to be presented at the ESA Industry Days, Additive Manufacturing for RF/Microwave hardware, could contribute with the outlook of the University in an industry dedicated meeting. The aim of this work is to provide a clear understanding of the different AM techniques with their benefits and limitations rather to present a product or a completely developed solution.
Primary author
Mr
Adrian Gomez-Torrent
(Public University of Navarra)
Co-authors
Mr
Aitor Martinez
(Anteral)
Mr
Fernando Teberio
(Public University of Navarra)
Mr
Gonzalo Crespo
(Anteral)
Mr
Iker Gomez Lopez
(Public University of Navarra)
Dr
Israel Arnedo
(Public University of Navarra)
Dr
Itziar Maestrojuan
(Anteral)
Dr
Ivan Arregui
(Public University of Navarra)
Mr
Jon Mikel Percaz
(Public University of Navarra)
Prof.
Jorge Teniente
(Public University of Navarra)
Dr
Miguel Beruete
(Public University of Navarra)
Prof.
Mikel Laso
(Microwave Components Group - Public University of Navarre (MCG-UPNA))
Mr
Ruben Caballero
(Public University of Navarra)
Prof.
Txema Lopetegui
(Public University of Navarra)
Mr
Unai Beaskoetxea
(Public University of Navarra)
