LAP Laser supports Russian market leader for satellite systems

A Russian high-tech manufacturer of communication satellite systems has recently started using LAP Laser's laser projection systems to ensure precise production of communication antennae.

Information Satellite Systems (ISS) MF Reshetnev is said to be the largest Russian specialist satellite producer, developing and launching two-thirds of all Russian satellites that are in either geostationary orbit or orbiting at heights of between 160 and 37,000km above the earth.

Before forming the partnership with LAP, ISS MF Reshetnev had outsourced its satellite antennae. However, after installing LAP's Composite Pro laser projection system, it now produces its own satellite antennae with contoured profiles. Installation has now been completed and production is in full swing.

The new Composite Pro laser system is also used by Airbus, as well as in the production of rotor blades for wind power generators to enable the precise alignment and distribution of the carbon fibre reinforced elements from which the antennae are made.

A further important production phase in which LAP's projection technology is employed is in the cutting of the individual carbon fibre workpieces. Using CAD data, the contour is transmitted to the laser projectors and these mark the edges of the antenna components to be cut from the workpiece.

“Thanks to the projection, waste has been drastically reduced and ISS MF Reshetnev, saving a great deal of material,” explained Sergiy Makashutin, sales manager, CIS. “The working hours can also be used more effectively, because fewer mistakes are made during production, i.e. when positioning the mats.”

LAP claims it is the only manufacturer of laser projectors that can project three colours (red, yellow and green) simultaneously. This allows certain areas to be highlighted. By changing the colour of the whole contour from red to yellow or green, the system can also indicate which parts are to be machined and in which working step.

“The three-colour technology was the crucial selection criterion for LAP,” said Vasiliy Danilov, deputy director of Works 039 of ISS Reshetnev. “All the work is now faster and more economical. For example, the thicknesses at the various points of the antenna can be marked with different colours. The whole process becomes clearer and much simpler for the designers than when previously handling clumsy templates.”

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