Automated Assembly Provides Flexible Circuit Assemblies for Extreme Space Environments

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Automated Assembly Corporation has developed SMT-Flex® technology to manufacture flex circuit assemblies that are designed by our customers to withstand severe space conditions such as UV radiation, solar storms, extreme cold, and more. Other severe operational environments, such as extreme pressure and temperature fluctuations, vibrations during the launch, mechanical stress, etc., are encountered by a spacecraft during its missions.

Automated Assembly’s SMT Flex® technology enables them to assemble thin, lightweight, durable custom flex assemblies for space applications. Flexible assemblies can withstand the challenges of space environments and ensure structural integrity for spacecraft. These assemblies can twist, bend, and conform to form complex part geometries. Made from flexible, yet durable materials, these assemblies are known to facilitate controlled movements necessary during orientation and deployment. Hence, they are ideal for applications in various parts of space missions such as space launch vehicles, satellites, and so on.

Flex Assembly for Space Applications

Automated Assembly’s SMT Flex® manufacturing process enables them to assemble compact-sized flex circuit assemblies on a variety of thin substrates. This makes them lightweight, which is a key requirement in space applications. It can withstand wide temperature ranges, thermal shocks, vibration, extreme weather, and so on. Here are some beneficial features of our flex assembly for space applications:

• Durability: This is a crucial aspect of flexible circuit assemblies that are part of satellite systems in space and on the ground. They are also used as part of networks in devices used for remote connectivity and communication, even outside the Earth’s orbit. This includes the transfer of bulky data, such as videos and photographs of the concerned planet or other space objects. They have a wide operating temperature range, especially polyimide has a range from -55 to 125 degrees Celsius.
• Meets industry regulations: Environmental regulation applies in Aerospace applications, too. Automated Assembly’s Wire-Write® assemblies are made of eco-friendly materials that can be used for on-ground applications in the aerospace market. Since they are lightweight, they help spacecraft consume relatively less fuel for a relatively long distance.
• Focus on automation: Automated Assembly understands the significance of accuracy and tight tolerances in mission-critical applications, such as space. They use high-speed robotics for component placement, which makes it feasible to position sensitive as well as odd-shaped components, consider aspect ratio, program rotations, and more. They have a 3D printing and full machining capability that helps save time and reduce cost. They also use automated roll-to-roll assembly lines as well as pick-n-place equipment.
• Weight: Lightweight flex circuits help achieve intricate 3D designs required in space launch vehicles that may have to accommodate a lot of devices and systems, such as cameras, navigation, sensors, and more, which add to the weight. The minimal weight helps achieve high speeds in spite of having multiple layers to meet challenging requirements. Since they are small-sized and can fit in the required shape, these assemblies help save space.
• Customization: Automated Assembly accepts design files, analyzes them, and comes up with the best possible solution to suit requirements. Their assembly can conform to various shapes and contours. It can be bent, twisted, and folded without compromising performance.

Click here to learn more about space-grade flexible assemblies from Automated Assembly.