A K-Band Horn Antenna Assembled from Two 3D Printed and Painted Halves

A K-band horn antenna was simulated as two separate pieces in an effort to make the conductive coating application stage onto a 3D-printed antenna easier. The results were promising, and the antenna was manufactured using fused deposition modeling (FDM). The application of the conductive coating was noticeably easier, and the assembly process was simple, only using a 3D-printed clamp designed for the antenna and super glue. The results were very similar to the solid model 3D printed horn antenna, indicating that printing an antenna in separate pieces is acceptable. Improving the production methods in 3D printed antennas will increase the consistency of models that are produced.