Next-generation Radomes Powered by Makrolon®
To expand 5G infrastructure globally, the mobile communication vendor required durable materials for the new generation of antenna housings (radomes) that combine technical excellence with more sustainability. The housing needed to ensure high signal transparency while being robust enough to withstand extreme weather, lightweight to ease installation, and recyclable to support circular economy models. Beyond functional demands, the radome design also needed aerodynamic efficiency to reduce mast loads and ensure long service life.
Together with Covestro, the mobile communication vendor engineered a mono-material radome made from Makrolon® polycarbonate, replacing a mix of previously used materials. The material’s impact resistance and low density* enabled thinner walls for high efficiency signal transmission, while maintaining impact strength and weather resistance. Aerodynamic vortex-generator design minimized wind loads on masts, supporting structural safety. The recyclable thermoplastic solution supports circularity, while lightweight construction simplifies installation and transport. Tested under extreme coastal wind conditions of up to 150 km/h, the housings proved exceptional durability and UV stability.
The mobile communication vendor sought easy to process materials for 5G antenna radomes that balanced performance with more sustainability. The solution needed to be lightweight, durable, signal-transparent, and recyclable while ensuring maximum throughput with minimal interference. The engineers needed to develop radomes that enabled environmentally conscious design, cost-effective deployment and highest performance for future-proof telecommunications infrastructure.
*Low density: The lightweight material allows the creation of an innovative multiwall design with thinner walls, reducing the overall antenna housings weight without compromising structural integrity.
“Our collaboration with our customer demonstrates how advanced polycarbonate solutions like Makrolon® can push antenna technology forward. The outstanding teamwork between our technical teams enabled us to reduce material and weight, improving performance, efficiency, and recyclability in one integrated solution.”
Through a trusting partnership and close collaboration, the leading North European mobile communication vendor and Covestro developed a mono-material radome made from Makrolon® polycarbonate. The chosen material enabled a honeycomb structure with thinner walls for improved signal transmission with up to 85 % beam efficiency, while maintaining impact strength and weather resistance. Aerodynamic vortex-generator design minimized wind loads on masts, supporting structural safety. The recyclable thermoplastic solution supports circularity, while 24 % weight reduction of the antenna simplifies installation and transport, decreasing structural requirements at installation sites, resulting in reduced installation costs. Tested under extreme coastal wind conditions of up to 150 km/h, the housings reduced wind load by 20 % and proved exceptional durability and UV stability. The innovative antenna solution delivered a remarkable 49% reduction in embodied carbon footprint, significantly advancing the mobile communication vendor’s sustainability goals.
"The synergistic partnership between our teams and our customer resulted in a transformative advancement for telecommunications. This novel radome development for high-performing, energy-efficient networks demonstrates how innovative materials harmonize technical excellence with circular economy principles."
Key benefits
- Lightweight: Simplifies installation and lowers transport costs.
- Durable: Proven impact and weather resistance extend service life.
- Efficient: Optimized signal transmission with thinner housing walls.
- Sustainable: Fully recyclable mono-material supports circular economy.
- Design freedom: Vortex aerodynamic honey-comb design reduces wind load and structural stress with 85% beam efficiency, directing signals precisely where needed while maintaining structural integrity.
