| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1717044 | Acta Astronautica | 2007 | 8 Pages |
In the frame of a research project, CRIF, KUL and CSL have investigated the possibility to use rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing (RP/RM) techniques during space instrument development. Rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing terms gather several techniques with the common baseline that parts are built layer by layer, starting from a CAD model. These techniques imply powder, paste or liquid and are applicable to polymers, ceramics and metals.In a first step, the major advantages of these techniques have been presented to Belgian industries implied in the space sector and, as a result of the discussions, development goals for the project have been identified. Several types of use have also been pointed, from demonstration mock-up to real space hardware.In parallel to technical developments, several case studies and tests have been performed. The case studies have shown that the rapid manufacturing allows complex geometries to be created. A drastic decrease of the number of separate parts and bolted junctions ease the predictability of the mechanical and thermal behaviour and limit the risk of imperfect junction.As a result of the project, a guidelines document has been issued to give as much information as possible on how to perform a space instrument design using the advantages of RP/RM techniques.
