H. Dinwiddie EVLA Feed CDR2/17/05

1

Fabrication and Mass Production Plans for Laminated Feeds

L-Band

S-Band

H. Dinwiddie EVLA Feed CDR2/17/05

2

Lamination vs Machining

• To Laminate or Not to Laminate, that is the question

• Cost effectiveness for large feeds

• Weight Reduction

• Proven effective with VLBA L-Band

H. Dinwiddie EVLA Feed CDR2/17/05

3

Laminated Feed Assembly Overview

• Cut the rings and bands• Assemble the rings and bands on a

Christmas Tree• Laminate the assembly• Apply surface finish to the inside of the

feed after lamination

H. Dinwiddie EVLA Feed CDR2/17/05

4

Rings

• Made of 6061T6 Aluminum Sheet

• Cut at the VLA site by a custom build ring machine

• Grooved on the edges to accept the bands

H. Dinwiddie EVLA Feed CDR2/17/05

5

Bands

• Bands are made of 5053H34 Aluminum Strap

• Cut to length and welded at the VLA site

H. Dinwiddie EVLA Feed CDR2/17/05

6

Rings and Bands Interface

H. Dinwiddie EVLA Feed CDR2/17/05

7

Christmas Tree

• Feed assembly jig• Centers rings and bands• Applies pressure during

lamination• Rotates during the

laminating process

H. Dinwiddie EVLA Feed CDR2/17/05

8

The Christmas Tree

H. Dinwiddie EVLA Feed CDR2/17/05

9

Christmas Tree

H. Dinwiddie EVLA Feed CDR2/17/05

10

Laminated Horns

H. Dinwiddie EVLA Feed CDR2/17/05

11

Before and After

H. Dinwiddie EVLA Feed CDR2/17/05

12

Laminated Feeds to Date

• VLBA L-Band Feeds

• GBT - 2 Laminated Feeds (S and L Band)

• EVLA - 2 L-Band Feeds

• EVLA - 2 C-Bands Feeds

• Currently Laminating 3rd L-Band

H. Dinwiddie EVLA Feed CDR2/17/05

13

The Lamination Experience

• C-Band has a break even point between lamination vs machining from c-cast material

• L-Band feeds are easier to handle when laminated in two pieces

• Developed good techniques and tools

H. Dinwiddie EVLA Feed CDR2/17/05

14

Questions?