EBM Process

EBM – Electron Beam Melting

In the EBM process fully dense metal parts are built up layer-by-layer of metal powder melted by a powerful electron beam. Each layer is melted to the exact geometry defined by the 3D CAD model. The Electron Beam Melting technology allows for high energy to be used providing high melting capacity and high productivity.

Parts are built in vacuum at elevated temperatures resulting in stress-relieved parts with material properties better than cast and comparable to wrought material.

For each layer of powder the electron beam first scans the powder bed to maintain a certain elevated temperature, specific for different alloys. Thereafter the electron beam melts the contours of the part and finally the bulk.

Electron Beam Technology

The EBM process is a carefully controlled process where correct energy input in different process steps is key to the excellent material properties obtained. The electron beam is managed by electromagnetic coils rather than optics and moving mechanical parts, which allows for very good beam control and extremely fast beam translation.

Furthermore, the electron beam technology provides a high energy beam which allows for high melting capacity and ultimately high productivity.

Vacuum Technology

The vacuum system is designed to provide a base pressure of 1x10-4 or better throughout the entire build cycle. This clean and predictable build environment is important to maintain the chemical specification of the material used.

Warm process

For every layer in the build the electron beam heats the powder bed to the optimal temperature for the material used. As a result, the parts you produce with the EBM process are free from residual stresses and do not suffer from distortion.

EBM MultiBeam™

Arcam’s MultiBeam technology utilizes the extremely fast deflection electronics in the EBM technology that allows for melting at multiple locations simultaneously. Carefully controlled energy input at each location leads to finer surfaces.