Electroforming Copper Feedhorns Using Aluminum Mandrels

Chemistry, Technology
[caption id="attachment_24084" align="alignright" width="480"] Copper electroforming bath, with growing electroforms and bagged anodes. Pump and continuous bath filtration are essential, though they are not shown for clarity.[/caption] The electroplating laboratory technician may be asked to grow a metal object from scratch, rather than merely plate an existing part. The result, before final external machining, is called an electroform. Electroforming involves much more than merely plating a long time. Critical issues need to be addressed to ensure success. While electroforming involves science, it is truly an art. Definitions and Basics [caption id="attachment_24085" align="alignleft" width="300"] A microwave feedhorn is similar to an old-fashioned ear trumpet. Image National Archives.[/caption] Microwaves are electromagnetic waves with a wavelength in the range of 0.001–0.3 meters. When creating a microwave feedhorn via electroforming, the scientist will grow…
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50th Anniversary Celebration of the 140′ Radio Telescope at Green Bank WV

Astronomy
[caption id="attachment_9549" align="alignleft" width="300"] NRAO 140-foot radio telescope at Green Bank, WV.[/caption] We want to explore the history of the 140′ Radio Telescope... Sometimes people are honored for their achievements in the sciences. On Tuesday, October 13, 2015, a most interesting object was recognized for its groundbreaking exploration in the field of astrochemistry. It is the 140′ Radio Telescope completed in December of 1964. It is owned and operated by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) located in Green Bank, West Virginia. As a retiree of the Charlottesville, Virginia Central Development Lab, I was invited. It was an invitation I heartily accepted. Official Statement This NRAO public announcement of the event includes the proclamation by the Governor of West Virginia of the historical importance of the telescope. Included on the…
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