Current radio communication systems are facing the progressive saturation of the electromagnetic spectrum which, together with increasingly higher bandwidth requirements (transmission speeds), is forcing systems to migrate towards higher frequency bands.

Although there are numerous technologies for the manufacture of communications devices, their commercial success requires great efficiency in terms of cost and mass production along with adequate electromagnetic performance. Additive manufacturing technologies allow for a very wide spectrum of volumetric topologies, in addition to reducing manufacturing time, weight and cost compared to traditional metal milling processes. To provide the device with electrical conductivity, it must be metallized, therefore requiring efficient techniques for this purpose.

For this reason, first a wide range of structures are designed to provide comprehensive solutions to the industry. Next, the use of new materials and manufacturing technologies is analyzed to adapt to the needs of the industry. Finally, new metallization processes and finishes are developed to facilitate the required conductivity of these radio frequency communications devices for terrestrial, maritime and space applications. It is estimated that the use of additive manufacturing technologies for these applications will provide devices up to 10 times lighter, drastically reduce waste compared to machining metal parts, and allow parts to be manufactured that are impossible to make with traditional techniques. CAFTAM is a collaborative experimental development project, led by the Institute of Telecommunications and Multimedia Applications (ITEAM) of the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), who will contribute their experience in the design and optimization of high-frequency communications circuits (filters, antennas, dividers, etc.). AIJU will develop the selected devices by applying high surface and dimensional quality through various additive manufacturing technologies, the Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIC-ITQ) will carry out innovative mixed, chemical and galvanic catalytic metallizing processes on the developed parts. The participating company DISMUNTEL, with experience and knowledge in the field of RFID and control electronics, will contribute to the proposal of the challenge by the industry in the field of telecommunications and in verifying the correct functionality of the devices developed in the real scope.

This collaboration is part of a research project funded by the Valencian Innovation Agency (AVI) within the Strategic Cooperation Projects Program.

  Carmen Bachiller Martín

Microwave Applications Group (GAM)