Mechanical Design

Mechanical design is a critical part of many RF systems: circuit design, PCB design and mechanical design are frequently so interdependent that they are inseperable. For this reason we normally insist on controlling, or at least being closely involved in, the mechanical design of RF systems.

Apart from the obvious screening effects and influence on ground currents, enclosures and other mechanical structures can have a critical effect on vibration-induced noise and internal temperatures.

Fabrication techniques we find particularly useful for small and medium quantities include:

Precision etching (also known as chemical milling). Produces accurate, low-cost, lightweight parts. Particularly useful for screening cans or small module enclosures.
Milled aluminium. Our preferred method for enclosing low-volume and high-value RF modules.
Extrusions. A disadvantage of milling aluminium out of the solid is the high wastage and long machining time, both of which inflate the cost. For higher quantities, milled and/or punched extrusions reduce cost.
Sheet metalwork is more appropriate in larger quantities. The design and tooling costs for complex structures are higher than machining , but the unit manufacturing costs are much lower.

Giastar Home - Feedback - Enquiry