[time-nuts] GPS Antennas

[ed breya]

Attila wrote:

"Bob kb8tq <kb8tq at n1k.org 
<http://lists.febo.com/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts_lists.febo.com>> wrote:

>/There are a lot of 3D printers out there that happily print ABS …. /
I am not sure that's a good idea.
The way how filament printers work will lead to lots of
pores where humidity can accumulate. Not something you want.

Thermoforming sheets, on the other hand, gives a smooth, closed
surface. Additionaly, the tensile strength of the sheet after
thermoforming is higher than that of filament printed structures.
This means a radome can be thiner, which leads to less lensing,
which is the major source of phase center shift.

			Attila Kinali"

Also, how would 3D printing plastics hold up to UV from sunlight? I don't know much about the materials used, but this is mostly an outdoor application, so it has to endure the elements too.

Ed