Precision development
The Precision Development Facility is a comprehensive and well-equipped facility providing expertise in precision machining and novel component prototyping associated with the manufacture of miniature detectors. As well as providing close project support at RAL Space, the team undertakes development work for industry and a variety of government institutions.
What we do
Our dedicated precision development team provides expertise in precision machining and prototyping components of miniature detectors. Very high accuracy machining is required to make detectors for space instrumentation that operate with radiation at millimetre wavelengths, such as atmospheric remote sensing of Earth and astronomy projects. The team solves complex engineering challenges, manufactures novel geometries and performs machining to accuracies better than five microns (a tenth the width of a human hair).
Our expert capabilities include:
- Manufacturing microwave receivers and black body calibration targets
- Manufacturing miniature targets for experiments using high powered lasers
- Precision micro drilling, milling on customised lathes, micro milling machine and mini jig borers
- Electroplating and electroforming
CNC Nano-Machining
Utilising the latest in CAD/CAM technology, technicians are able to work directly from the designers 3D solid model using HyperMILL CAM software. This software along with the CNC high speed machine tools within the facility enable us to produce components with complex geometry on a miniature scale to within 10 micrometres.
CNC Machine Specifications
- Kern Pyramid Nano 3-axis CNC Mill (50,000 RPM Positional accuracy 1.5 µm)
- Kern HD 5-axis CNC Mill (42,000 RPM positional accuracy 1µm)
- Hardinge Super Precision Lathe (8,000 RPM positional accuracy +/- 5µm)
- Non-Contact Tool Pre-setters
Applications
- High Speed machining used for development and manufacture of miniature components for the THz Researchers.
- Precision manufacturing support for quantum technologies, other strategically important science programmes and commercial companies.
Laser Target Manufacture
Manufacturing capabilities
- Drilling holes as small as 30 micrometres.
- Manufacturing specialised jigs and fixtures for fabrication and assembly where alignment of components needs to be accurate at the micrometre level.
- Using novel manufacturing techniques to produce complex miniature structures.
- Machining components to produce optical levels of surface finish.
Case Study Highlight
Bespoke engineering for MetOp-SG instrument receivers
Working alongside Millimetre Wave Technology team to develop and build 29 receivers for the Microwave Sounder, the Microwave Imager and the Ice Cloud Imager instruments. The PDF team made bespoke devices for the receivers: blocks with channels whose sizes are determined by the specific frequency or fingerprint to detect. The receivers increase the satellites’ sensitivity and will deliver improved atmospheric temperature and humidity data to meteorologists, resulting in more accurate weather forecasts, and better prediction and tracking of extreme weather phenomena.
