Shenyang Institute of Automation proposes carbon fiber/PEEK 3D printing and welding for on-orbit structures
Verified through a scaled-down prototype, the technology represents a growing body of work seeking to overcome logistical and cost barriers of in-space manufacturing.
Source | SAMPE China
In the race to advance space exploration, materials innovation continues to be a critical driver. Recently, China’s Shenyang Institute of Automation (SIA CAS) shared a notable development in on-orbit manufacturing of carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composites — a technology that could open new doors for integrated preparation and bonding of large composite space structures.
SIA CAS’ approach combines pultrusion molding and laser transmission welding of carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK composite tubular units. This development aims to enable the automated assembly of large-scale space structures, from solar power stations and antennas to components for lunar bases, directly in zero-gravity environments. It also addresses two core challenges inherent to on-orbit construction — (1) efficient fabrication of high-performance structural units and (2) reliable connections between components. The research team systematically studied the effects of temperature and pultrusion speed on mechanical properties, determined the optimal process parameters and produced composite tubes that combine high specific strength, high stiffness and high environmental adaptability, making them highly suitable for long-term space service.
In terms of connection technology, the research team also adopted 3D printed, high-transmittance PEEK joints combined with laser transmission welding to achieve a high-precision, high-strength, integrated connection between pipe fittings and joints. This method is noncontact, provides uniform stress, and is highly efficient, effectively overcoming the shortcomings of traditional adhesive bonding such as easy aging, heavy mechanical connections and insufficient reliability. The weld seam is stable and meets the load-bearing requirements of the spatial structure.
To verify the practicality of the project, the research team carried out integrated manufacturing of a scaled-down prototype of the parabolic antenna truss based on the technology, realizing the entire process from materials, molding, connection to structural assembly, proving that the proposed solution is suitable for automated on-orbit construction in space.
The relevant findings are published in Space: Science & Technology. The original source of this announcement, a posting from CA SIA, is available here.
This post is courtesy of the CompositesWorld and SAMPE China Insights media partnership.
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