Prototyping and manufacture
Stellar Advanced Concepts Ltd has embeded offices and manufacturing agreements with partner company Stellar Space Industries B.V. (SSI) colocated with ESA’s European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), in Noordwijk, Netherlands. This enables projects conducted both in the UK and EU, with agile expertise transfer between UK-NL.
The high-tech industry is dependent on quality components in order to guarantee optimal performance of novel technologies. Since 2015, SSI has been manufacturing instruments, systems, sub-systems and complex components specifically for this demanding industry sector. SSI designs and develops with relevance to the application of the final product. Facilities allow rapid breadboarding because of in-house manufacturing capabilities, cleanroom and quality inspection for space instrumentation according to ECSS standards and AS9100. Our customer base includes Airbus Defence and Space, OHB Italia, OHB Systems, TNO, SABCA, SRON and cosine measurement systems. Through the strict control of all of our processes we are able to offer a high-class service where we continuously strive to achieve greater levels of quality, efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Quality at SSI is paramount and this is reflected in the continued investment in leading edge measurement and analysis equipment. The current QA is constructed and written in collaboration with Airbus Defence and Space (Leiden, Netherlands) and can be send on request. Early in 2022, Stellar Space Industries received their AS 9100 accreditation for aviation, Space and Defence.
Machining Capabilities
SSI understand that fast machining is the key for rapid breadboarding and research and development. To ensure that our machining facility is able to meet the customer’s needs we utilize a 4-axis Lathe machine, 3-axis, 5-axis milling machine and EMD machining that will hold tolerance within 0,01 mm. Capable of producing highly complex (organic) and intermediate complex components respectively. The machine XYZ ranges are given in millimeters as seen below.
3 Axis Mill : 500x400x500 & 1150x700x550
5 Axis Mill : 650x500x500
4-Axis Lathe : 410x410
Metrology
Upon requested the customer will be issued a measurement report. SSI is equipped with a wide range of measurement tools and a CMM with a measuring range of 500x400x600mm in a conditioned room that is at a constant temperature of 20~C. All measurement tools and machines are calibrated yearly by our industry partner.
Material Capabilities
Stellar Space Industries has superior experience with the metals and polymers shown below. Note, SSI does possess capabilities to process Aerospace metals such as titanium and Inconel. However, only the most common processed material types are showcased below.
Aluminium : 5083, 6082, 7075
Stainless-steel : 17-4 PH, 303, 316
Polymers : PEEK, PTFE, PEI
Surface Finishing
The components we manufacture are exposed to a wide variety of harsh environments and therefore require adequate protection. Our Industrial partners support us with pre-treatments such as blasting treatments and surface treatments. Note that for blasting type the grain size is variable as is the color depending on type of surface treatments.