Additive Manufacturing (AM) can suppose a breakthrough technology for the development of RF/microwave hardware such as waveguide harness, filters and antennas. The use of this manufacturing process allows the design of RF/microwave hardware to achieve enhanced performance. RF, thermal and mechanical performance can be improved by using the additional freedom provided by AM.
The assessment of different AM approaches has already started and it considers the whole process chain, including design, material supply, processing, post processing, qualification and verification, and standardisation. This assessment exercise is helping to identify already those AM approaches (materials, designs, processing, etc.) best suited for the manufacturing of part for space applications. It is performed focusing mainly on first mechanical and second thermal requirements.
Considering the already good maturity point and the positive inertia of AM (materials and processes) for other fields, it is deemed very relevant to perform an assessment of the AM for RF/microwave hardware where all the possible parameters are considered (RF performances, required tolerance, surface requirements, materials, thermal constrains, size of the part, etc.).
The event will cover dedicated plenary invited presentations related to additive manufacturing covering, among others, the following:
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RF/Microwave filters and waveguides
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Antenna: feeds, reflectors, lens, etc.
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Parts for TWT and atomic clocks.
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Packaging for microwave components.
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Function integration aspects and system impact.
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Materials and processes
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Simulations/Optimization tools
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Post processing
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Quality aspects
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Market impact
