What are the processing methods for aluminum panels in spacecraft?

Space capsuleWhat are the processing methods for aluminum plates?

Space capsule aluminum plateIt is one of the commonly used materials in spacecraft manufacturing, and its processing method is crucial for the performance and safety of spacecraft. This article will elaborate on the processing methods of aluminum panels for spacecraft from the following four aspects.

1、 Milling processing

Milling is one of the commonly used methods for machining aluminum plates in spacecraft. By rotating the cutting tool and moving relative to the aluminum plate, the metal material on the surface of the aluminum plate is removed to achieve the machining purpose. Milling can achieve the processing of complex shapes, such as grooves, holes, etc. At the same time, milling can also improve the surface roughness and flatness of aluminum panels in spacecraft, meeting the requirements of spacecraft for precise dimensions and surface quality.

There are various ways of milling, including flat milling, vertical milling, chamfering milling, etc. Different processing methods are suitable for different processing needs. For example, flat milling is suitable for flat machining and surface finishing; Facade milling is suitable for processing surfaces perpendicular to the surface of aluminum plates; Chamfering milling can make the edges of aluminum panels in spacecraft smooth and improve their fatigue resistance.

2、 Stamping processing

Stamping processing is a method of forming aluminum plates for spacecraft using stamping molds. By placing the aluminum plate of the spacecraft on the mold and subjecting it to plastic deformation under external force, the desired shape is achieved. Stamping processing is suitable for large-scale production and can quickly and efficiently complete processing tasks.

Stamping processing can achieve processing of various shapes, such as flat parts, curved parts, flange parts, etc. By changing the design and process parameters of the stamping die, it is possible to process aluminum plates of different shapes and sizes for spacecraft. In addition, stamping processing can also improve the strength and stiffness of aluminum panels in spacecraft, increasing their compressive and fatigue resistance.

3、 Welding processing

Welding processing is a method of connecting two or more aluminum plates in a spacecraft by melting and cooling the aluminum material. Welding processing can achieve seamless connection of aluminum plates in spacecraft, forming a unified structure. Common welding methods include arc welding, argon arc welding, laser welding, etc.

Welding processing can achieve rigid and high-density connections of aluminum plates in spacecraft, ensuring the safety of spacecraft in extreme environments. At the same time, welding processing can also improve the sealing performance and corrosion resistance of the aluminum plate in the spacecraft, preventing external environmental erosion of the spacecraft.

4、 Surface treatment

Surface treatment is a processing method carried out to improve the surface properties of aluminum plates in spacecraft. Common surface treatment methods include anodizing, electroplating, spraying, etc.

Anodizing is the process of placing the aluminum plate of a spacecraft in a specific electrolyte and generating an oxide film on its surface through the action of an electric current. Anodizing can increase the corrosion resistance and surface hardness of aluminum plates in spacecraft, thereby improving their service life.

Electroplating is a surface treatment method that covers the aluminum plate surface of a spacecraft with a metal coating. Through the electrolysis process, a metal coating is formed on the surface of the aluminum plate in the spacecraft to improve its oxidation resistance, corrosion resistance, and conductivity.

Spray coating is a surface treatment method that sprays specific paint onto the aluminum plate surface of a spacecraft. Spraying can enhance the aesthetic appearance of the aluminum panel in the spacecraft and provide an additional protective layer to prevent external environmental erosion of the aluminum panel in the spacecraft.

Summary:

The processing methods for aluminum panels in spacecraft mainly include milling, stamping, welding, and surface treatment. Milling can achieve the processing of complex shapes and improve surface quality; Stamping processing is suitable for large-scale production; Welding processing can achieve seamless connection and improve the sealing performance of aluminum panels in spacecraft; Surface treatment can improve the surface properties of aluminum panels in spacecraft. The comprehensive application of these processing methods can meet the high requirements of spacecraft for aluminum panels in spacecraft, ensuring the smooth completion of space missions.