Drive Innovation to New frontiers with Our Space Grade Solutions
As any spacecraft embarks on a mission, it encounters severe operational environments such as extreme pressure and temperature fluctuations, vibrations during the launch, mechanical stress, and so on. Flexible assemblies can withstand these challenges and ensure structural integrity to spacecraft. These assemblies can twist, bend, and conform to form complex part geometries. Made from flexible, yet durable materials, these assemblies are known to facilitate controlled movements necessary during orientation and deployment. Hence, they find application in various parts of space missions such as space launch vehicles, satellites, and so on. We, at Automated Assembly, have developed SMT-Flex® to manufacture flex circuit assemblies that are designed by our customers to withstand severe conditions such as UV radiation, solar storms, extreme cold, and more. Our SMT Flex® technology enables us to assembly thin, lightweight, durable custom flex assembly for space applications. Contact us today to discuss your custom flex assembly requirements for the space sector.
Why Choose Our Flex Assembly for Space Applications?
Our SMT Flex® manufacturing process enables us to assemble compact sized flex circuit assemblies on a variety of thin substrates This makes them lightweight which is a key requirement in space applications. It can withstand wide temperature ranges, thermal shocks, vibration, extreme weather, and so on. Here are some beneficial features of our flex assembly for space applications.
- Durability: This is crucial aspect of flexible circuit assemblies are part of satellites systems in space and on-ground. They are also used as part of networks in devices used for remote connectivity and communication even outside the earth’s orbit. This includes transfer of bulky data such as videos and photographs of the concerned planet or other space objects. They have a wide operating temperature range, especially polyimide has a range from -55 to 125 degrees Celsius.
- Meets industry regulations: Environmental regulation applies in Aerospace applications too. Our Wire-Write® assemblies are made of ecofriendly materials that can be used for on ground applications in the aerospace market. Since, they are lightweight, they help spacecraft consume relatively less fuel for a relatively long distance.
- Focus on automation: We understand the significance of accuracy and tight tolerances in mission-critical applications such as space. We use high-speed robotics for component placement which makes it feasible to position sensitive as well as odd-shape components, consider aspect ratio, program rotations, and more. We have a 3D printing and full machining capability that helps save time and reduce cost. Also, we use automated roll-to-roll assembly lines as well as pick-n-place equipment.
- Weight: Lightweight flex circuits help achieve intricate 3D designs required in space launch vehicles that may have to accommodate a lot of devices and systems such as cameras, navigation, sensors, and more which add to the weight. The minimal weight helps achieve high speeds in spite of having multiple layers to meet challenging requirements. Since, they are small-sized and can fit in the required shape, these assemblies help save space.
- Customization: We accept design files, analyze them and come up with the best possible solution to suit your requirement. Our assembly can conform to various shapes and contours. It can be bent, twisted, and folded without compromising performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
We use space-grade materials like polyimide (PI), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), and so on in our flex circuit assemblies as they are resistant to extreme temperatures, harsh environments, UV radiation, and have low outgassing properties.
Components must be durable and able to withstand the challenges of the space environment.
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