Different Metallization Techniques Using a 3D Printed E-Band Orthomode Transducer

European Microwave Conference (EuMC), pp. 342–345

Abstract

Since 3D printing technology can already be observed as state of the art for rapid prototyping manufacturing processes for high frequency components, the metallization of plastic printed objects becomes a crucial part that is not straight forward. Conductivity and surface roughness influence the performance of an additive manufactured microwave component. Using an orthomode transducer (OMT) optimized for the automotive radar band, various metallization techniques are applied to stereolithography printed prototypes. Applied metallizations are conductive silver paint, galvanic and vacuum coated gold. An stepped OMT design is used and simulations considering reduced conductivity as well as surface roughness are compared to measurements. All coating techniques show a sufficient agreement and demonstrate applicability.

Authors 5

1. Tim Freialdenhoven

   Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques

   Affiliation as printed

   Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR, Research Group Aachen,Germany

   Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR, Research Group Aachen, Germany

2. Patrick Witte

   Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques

   Affiliation as printed

   Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR, Research Group Aachen,Germany

   Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR, Research Group Aachen, Germany

3. Stephan Kob Aachen Institute for Digital Additive Production DAP

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Digital Additive Production DAP, RWTH Aachen University,Germany

   Institute for Digital Additive Production DAP, RWTH Aachen University, Germany

4. Johannes Henrich Schleifenbaum Aachen Institute for Digital Additive Production DAP

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute for Digital Additive Production DAP, RWTH Aachen University,Germany

   Institute for Digital Additive Production DAP, RWTH Aachen University, Germany

5. Thomas Dallmann

   Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques

   Affiliation as printed

   Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR, Research Group Aachen,Germany

   Fraunhofer Institute for High Frequency Physics and Radar Techniques FHR, Research Group Aachen, Germany