Plastic Fiberglass Radome for Radar Antenna

Background

A client from Mexico approached RF element with a unique request to develop a suitable radome for one of their radar antennas. The antenna was designed for outdoor deployment and required a radome capable of withstanding various harsh environmental conditions. The client specified that the radome material must be plastic fiberglass with a fiberglass reinforcement greater than 15%.

Challenges

The challenge was to develop a radome with a high fiberglass content, which is known to increase the viscosity of the plastic and decrease its flowability. This can complicate the injection molding process, making it difficult to achieve proper filling and pressure maintenance during molding.

RF element's Solution

Leveraging our extensive experience in injection molding, our team of engineers and technicians addressed these challenges with the following strategies:

1. Specialized Injection Molding Techniques: We employed specialized injection molding processes tailored to handle the high fiberglass content, ensuring consistent and reliable radome production.

2. Mold Design Improvements: Our engineers improved the mold design to accommodate the increased viscosity of the fiberglass-reinforced plastic, facilitating better filling and reducing the risk of defects.

3. Surface Treatment Agents: The use of surface treatment agents was optimized to enhance the compatibility between the glass fibers and the resin, ensuring a strong bond and a high-quality final product.

Design and Development

The development process included:

• Material Selection: Careful selection of the fiberglass-reinforced plastic with the appropriate balance of strength and processability.

• Molding Process Optimization: The injection molding process was fine-tuned to handle the high fiberglass content, ensuring that the radome maintained its structural integrity and weather resistance.

• Quality Assurance: Rigorous quality control measures were implemented to ensure that each radome met the client's specifications and performance requirements.

Final Product

The final plastic fiberglass radome developed and produced by RF element perfectly matched the client's radar antenna, providing the necessary protection and support for stable operation in various outdoor environments.

This case study illustrates RF element's commitment to providing comprehensive solutions for our clients' antenna-related needs. Beyond antenna development, we offer a range of antenna services, including radome development and injection molding, as well as the research and die-casting production of antenna arrays. Our dedication to innovation and quality ensures that we continue to support our clients with industry-leading antenna products and services that meet their unique requirements.