Aerospace
Fig. 1. Telecommunication satellite: the three additive manufactured brackets easily withstand a temperature range of 330°C and meet the high demand of permanent space missions.
Image: Airbus Defence and Space.
An aerospace company has used additive manufacturing for the production of satellite parts.
Advanced manufacturing optimises satellite technology
T 36
www.engineerlive.com
he literal translation of the word satellite (companion) does not come close to explaining how complex
these technical devices are and what they do for our daily lives. Their tasks range from weather forecast to message transport and navigation information. The Airbus Defence and Space division is one of the world’s leading suppliers of satellite and space transport technology. Its Spanish subsidiary is part of the satellite business and the largest aerospace company in its home market.
The portfolio ranges from satellite systems to components for the International Space Station ISS. A competence centre for composite materials is also located at the
headquarters in Madrid – because innovative materials and production methods play an important role in the aerospace industry. The requirements for the devices are particularly high because of the tremendous temperature differences and external forces involved. To achieve the best results in component manufacturing, Airbus Defence and Space relies, among other things, on additive manufacturing technology by the Germany company EOS.
Brackets
The current generation of satellites includes specific brackets that serve as a link between the body of the satellite and the reflectors and feeder facilities mounted at its upper end. The engineers
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