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Dual Cartridge Cutter
Pyrotechnic devices for the launch vehicle and spacecraft markets

Dual Cartridge Cutter

EBAD is the global leader in ordnance and pyrotechnic devices for the launch vehicle and spacecraft markets. Pyrotechnic Cutters are devices for the severance of rods, tubes, cables, bolts or other hold down mechanisms on launch vehicles or space craft. They have been used successfully to disable Premature Stage Separation Systems (PSS) or for the release of Yo-Yo de-spin devices. Actuation of the device is by electrical signal and it is rapid, reliable and effective.

Principal of Operation

The device is provided with dual initiators for redundancy and is designed to work with either one or both being initiated. The Initiator is a standard 1A/1W device and its operation is simple and reliable. Once initiated, the fully confined output produces enough gas pressure within the Dual Cartridge Cutter (DCC) body to first break a shear pin, forcing the cutter blade down the shaft to impact on the target material, thus severing it. The shape of the cutter blade has been optimized for hardened steel target material but can be modified if required to better cut soft material or steel wound cable. The cutter comes to rest on an anvil which has the added feature of being removable, thus allowing the DCC to be installed over a previously installed or pre-tensioned substrate. This can allow for the ordnance device to be installed and connected late in the vehicle integration process. The actual time from current application to full severance of the material will be less than 15 milliseconds.

The DCC has been specifically designed and qualified for the extreme environments of space. Its wide operational temperature range and high level of demonstrated reliability make it an ideal choice for most satellite, spacecraft, and launch vehicle applications.

Construction

EBAD’s Dual Cartridge Cutter (DCC) has a Stainless Steel housing that contains all the critical components. The design and construction allow for high pressure seal capability during and after actuation. The cutter is designed to prevent fragmentation or leakage of exploded gases externally or into the flow passages. Post actuation the internal and external seal is provided by a metal to metal seal. The entire assembly is hermetically sealed. The Dual Cartridge Cutter (DCC) has a Stainless Steel blade designed to cut through 0.160” diameter, 303 Stainless Steel rod.

Applications

    • Rod Cutting
    • Cable Cutting
    • Tube Cutting
    • Bolt Cutting
    • Satellite hold down release
    • V-Band Release
    • PSS Disabling prior to nominal Stage Separation

Key Features

    • Wide operating temperature range
    • High demonstrated reliability (Initiators are 0.999 at 90% confidence)
    • High Tensile Stainless Steel body provides high level of back-pressure sealing
    • Space rated materials
    • Hermetically Sealed Initiators and Body
    • Long storage life of up to 10 years