ALM Reflector Fitting to CFRP Composite Part: a New Bonding Case

A new metallic manufacturing process by additive mean (ALM) has been qualified for space antenna reflector applications within Astrium Space Transportation.

ALM (Additive Layer Manufacturing) is a very promising technology, that is called upon to replace conventional substractive manufacturing methods such as machining or milling.

The ALM titanium reflector fittings achieve drastic cost and time savings throughout the industrial process, as well as an extensive carbon print reduction, for similar thermal mechanical properties.

To foster additional mass saving on such space equipments, the titanium reflector parts are jointed to CFRP composite parts by bonding.

This presentation delivers an industrial development path of a breakthrough ALM application with a focus on various surface preparations of the ALM part, and the exhibited results compared to conventionally machined surfaces.