国防巨头洛克希德·马丁的太空部门选择了电子公司Swissto12andCAES（Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions）至3D打印式阵列天线，以进行未来的卫星任务。
分阶段阵列天线是天线的集合，具有独特的能力，可以改变发射辐射图案的形状和方向，而无需实际移动天线本身。它们的设计使得单个天线在阵列中传输的信号总和最终导致在特定方向上获得更好的增益和方向性。
在卫星的背景下，分阶段的阵列天线是通信系统中的至关重要的射频（RF）组件，可以在空间和地球之间进行远程信号传递。
“We look forward to this developing collaboration with Lockheed Martin, a global technology leader in aerospace, space, and security,” said Dr. Emile de Rijk, Founder and CEO of SWISSto12. “There is a tremendous opportunity offered by our 3D printed antenna technology to help upcoming satellite missions optimize their performance and throughput while enhancing their coverage flexibility. We are grateful for the trust Lockheed Martin places in SWISSto12 and CAES.”
RF 3D printing with SWISSto12 and CAES
以从Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne（EPFL），SWISSTO12专门从事航空航天部门的通信和雷达应用的高性能RF组件。该公司拥有自己的基于专利的激光3D打印技术，该技术用于制造由铝，Invar，Peek和Titanium制成的优化零件。
On the other hand, CAES is based in the US and develops advanced electronics for defense and aerospace systems. The firm claims to be the largest provider of mixed-signal and radiation-hardened technology for the US aerospace and defense industries.
洛克希德·马丁（Lockheed Martin Space）的高级计划开发小组副总裁凯尔·格里芬（Kyle Griffin）表示：“ Swissto12和Caes提供了创新的技术解决方案和熟练人才的强烈结合。”“我们期待加强这种关系，因为我们为太空中日益复杂的挑战建立解决方案。”
3D printed phased array antennas
作为合作伙伴，SWISSTO12和CAES旨在使添加剂制造技术更容易获得洛克希德（Loc雷电竞充值kheed）这样的国防制造商。前者的3D打印功能结合了后者的设计工程专业知识，可以实现定制的RF系统，旨在满足严格的尺寸，重量和性能要求。
For their latest project with Lockheed Martin Space, the partners will conduct the initial development of the 3D printed phased array antennas at SWISSto12’s headquarters in Switzerland. Then, they’ll be manufactured for end-use at CAES’ new 3D printing laboratory in Exeter, New Hampshire.
CAES的首席技术官David Young说：“数十年来，CAES已开发和制造了洛克希德·马丁太空任务的各种天线，RF子系统和微电子学。”“与我们的合作伙伴SWISSTO12一起，我们很高兴再次合作，以基于增材制造技术为基础的开拓性高级电子解决方案。”雷电竞充值
RF组件和其他电子产品的3D打印是增材制造的新兴领域。雷电竞充值就在这个月，研究人员爱荷华州立大学tested a novel approach to3D打印电子设备在零重力条件下。In place of gravity, the team’s technology utilizes electrical force to print conductive inks onto a glass base layer-by-layer, in a way that allows for the creation of complex circuitry. Working withNASA，工程师旨在将过程发展为一种在太空中生产传感器的方法。
在其他地方，英国的机器人公司Q5D技术recently secured $2.5 million in seed funding to advance the development of its new多功能接线和电子3D打印机。Known as the ‘CU500,’ the 5-axis FFF system features a changeable tool head that can be adapted to deposit either polymers, metal pastes, or wiring onto large aerospace and automotive parts or electronic devices.
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寻找添加剂制造业的职业？雷电竞充值访问3D Printing Jobsfor a selection of roles in the industry.
Featured image shows a Lockheed Martin A2100 satellite. Image via Lockheed Martin.
