Quality analysis of the spacecraft foil electric heater meander manufactured using laser radiation
The article presents a brief review of the photolithographic technology features used in manufacture of foil electric heaters for spacecraft. Potential advantages of laser technology for the foil electric heater formation are demonstrated. Using laser radiation, a full-fledged meander was manufactured from constantan foil on flexible substrate of aramid fabric impregnated with the EP-730 varnish as a blank for a foil electric heater of the spacecraft thermal control system. The degree of constantan evaporation between the current conductive tracks, as well as integrity and dielectric properties of the substrate, were evaluated. Results of the obtained samples study by the methods of spectral analysis, visual and optical control and measurement of the insulation resistance are provided. Conclusions present an assessment of advantages in using laser processing in the heating element formation, namely, reduction in the number of technological operations, decrease in labor intensity, increase in accuracy of the design geometry and improvement in the personnel labor protection conditions.