3D printed pyramidal horn antenna for K band frequency applications

Abstract

The technology of 3D printing using a polymeric substrate and the fused deposition modeling (FDM) method, as a flexible method of creating a variety of parts, has the possibility of leading solutions in various fields of technology. The control of the surface quality achieved by its deposition on polished surfaces, such as glass, allows to bring the terminations of the exposed faces to values below 0.8 μm (N6). These qualities, obtained by printing on glass, in conjunction with the adaptation of the print head, allow for the manufacturing of flat concave or convex surfaces with excellent surface finish. Additionally, the electroless process described by Merino (2010) on NFC, which has been adapted for a PLA polymeric substrate, has permitted the deposition of a layer of copper (Cu) on the substrate, creating a surface conducting for an electromagnetic signal. Combining these two methods it is possible to manufacture a horn type antenna (horn) such as shown in figure 1, which complies with the necessary geometry to be used for the reception of electromagnetic signals. The antenna will be used in radio astronomy for the frequency band between 10 GHz and 30 GHz, and will be put to the test, comparing its performance against a series antenna.