Design of 3D printed holder for quartz crystal microbalances

Abstract

This work describes the design of a holder for a quartz crystal microbalance for space application. The main objectives of the conceived system are to hold the quartz crystal providing adequate support in the expected mechanical and thermal environments, and to assure the functionalities of the instrument, i.e. measuring the oscillation frequency and the crystal temperature or heating the crystal during regeneration phases. A kinematic mounting has been designed to be manufactured by stereolithography because this technology allows achieving high spatial resolution and complex shapes that are needed to implement an easy assembling and mounting of the holding system. Moreover, the 3D printing technology would provide a cost-effective solution even for small series production.