APPLIED LASER, Volume. 44, Issue 12, 72(2024)

Novel Curved Conformal Antenna Manufacturing Technology Based on Metallization of 3D Printed PEEK

Leng Jie and Yuan Bo
Author Affiliations
  • Supply chain department, The 10th Research Institute of CETC, Chengdu 610036, Sichuan, China
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    Conformal antenna has the advantages of low profile, low radar scattering cross-sectional area, and can satisfy arbitrary aperture installation, making it one of the key development trends of advanced weapon equipment antenna in the future. However, there are still many shortcomings in the current antenna fabrication process such as small antenna front curvature and assembly problem of antenna front and conformal structure, which restricts the development of conformal antenna. In this paper, a novel integrated manufacturing process of curved conformal antenna with multi-layer interconnected circuits has been researched by combining the advantages of 3D printing technology, laser technology and electroplating technology. The line accuracy, bonding strength and electrical performance of the manufactured conformal antenna sample is tested. The results show that the antenna conductive lines have high precision, good adhesion and good weldability. The resistivity of the copper layer is measured at 1.5×10-6 Ω·cm, and both the voltage standing wave ratio and gain of the antenna element meet the design specifications, fulfilling practical application needs. The outcomes of this research significantly contribute to the development of curved multilayer circuit forming processes and the advancement of conformal antenna technology.

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    Leng Jie, Yuan Bo. Novel Curved Conformal Antenna Manufacturing Technology Based on Metallization of 3D Printed PEEK[J]. APPLIED LASER, 2024, 44(12): 72

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    Paper Information

    Received: Mar. 27, 2023

    Accepted: Mar. 11, 2025

    Published Online: Mar. 11, 2025

    The Author Email:

    DOI:10.14128/j.cnki.al.20244412.072

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