Abstract
Additive manufacturing technologies have been increasingly applied to the development of radio frequency components in the past few years. Indeed, the free-form capability of these processes allows for the design of novel components, whose actual implementation through conventional machining is rather complex or even not possible. This paper describes a monolithic WR51 component integrating three radio frequency functionalities, namely, bending, twisting, and filtering. Three aluminum prototypes with different bending/twisting radii have been manufactured through the selective laser melting process. They exhibit a measured rejection higher than 60 dB in 17.5 and 21.2 GHz, and a measured return loss better than 20 dB in 12.5 and 15 GHz. Significant mass and envelope reductions (higher than 60% depending on the bending/twisting radius) with respect to the reference subsystem with distinct waveguide components are achieved. These results assess the effectiveness of 3-D metal printing in the miniaturization and integration of waveguide systems.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
