Horizon Microtechnologies has, according to its own statements, passed a demanding temperature shock test for its metallized micro-additively manufactured components without any loss of performance. The structures tested are built using micro-AM and then coated with a proprietary metal layer. They are intended to combine the electrical performance of solid metal components with significantly lower weight and are aimed at applications in mm-wave and RF technology as well as in satellite hardware.
In the qualification test, the samples were subjected to 2,000 temperature cycles between -40 and +125 degrees Celsius. Each phase lasted five minutes, and the transition from cold to hot environment and back had to take place within ten seconds – a scenario intended to reproduce the rapid temperature changes in low Earth orbit when satellites move between direct sunlight and the Earth’s shadow. Both previously irradiated and non-irradiated specimens were examined in order to take the influence of space radiation into account.
“This is a huge step,” says Andreas Frölich, CEO of Horizon Microtechnologies. “We’ve always known our coating and passivation technologies were robust, but now we’ve proven they can withstand one of the harshest qualification tests used in space applications which potential users were rightfully sceptical about before our testing campaign. This validation now replaces theoretical analysis with hard evidence.”
According to the company, the components showed no mechanical damage such as cracks or delamination between the metal coating and the polymer substrate. Particularly important for high-frequency and sensor components: the electrical conductivity was maintained throughout all cycles.
“Reliability in orbit starts with qualification on Earth,” Frölich continues. “We’re systematically proving our technology under conditions such as thermal shock, humidity, radiation, vibration, and outgassing that have caused other solutions to fail. And we’re sharing these results transparently.”
“Passing this test shows our proprietary coating stays adhered and functional, even under repeated thermal extremes,” Frölich concludes. “With each test passed, we’re making it easier for engineers to trust and adopt lightweight, high-performance micro-AM components in real missions.”
The successful temperature shock test is part of a series of further qualification steps with which Horizon intends to prepare its technology for use in space and high-frequency systems. The company points to ongoing tests on humidity, radiation, vibration and outgassing. Engineers who require mass-reduced, electrically conductive microcomponents are thus to be given a more readily assessable option for future missions and ground-based high-frequency applications.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
3DPresso is a weekly newsletter that links to the most exciting global stories from the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry.
