Investigating quality assurance techniques during the production stages of a microwave receiver used in maritime radar systems

Abstract

In this research paper, a thorough investigation was conducted to seek different ways of ensuring and enhancing the performance of the metal housing and plate cover of a microwave receiver. Focusing on areas such as dimensional tolerances, thread quality, joining methods, cutting methods, surface coatings, and materials to answer the main research question of this research: To what extent do quality assurance techniques such as 3D modelling, application of dimensional and geometric tolerances, material selection, and joining methods ensure the reliability and performance functionality of microwave receivers used in maritime radar systems? By combining the three research methods used in the applied triangulation – expert interview, literature review, physical observations and 3D modelling – results showed that aluminium alloy 6061 and a brass alloy would be the initial building blocks for the microwave receiver. Seeing that the billet of each metal would be milled, drilled, and then tapped, various quality assurance techniques such as the use of coordinate measuring machines, optical and non-optical profilometers, and simple handheld tools, among other methods, can be used to check for dimensional and geometric accuracies, along with the use of cutting fluids to provide good overall quality of the machined pieces. Moreover, enhancements to the performance of the device were also discussed, such as looking into the application of surface coatings of silver and how it improves the electrical conductivity of the dielectric resonator cavity.