electron beam melting

As a proven leader in cost-efficient additive manufacturing (AM) solutions to produce orthopedic implants and aerospace applications, the Electron Beam Melting (EBM) process has the power to unleash a new generation of additive innovation. This leading-edge technology offers design freedom, excellent material properties and stacking capabilities. When you combine these advantages with the elimination of stress relief, your business will see an increase in productivity, when you adopt EBM technology. 

discover our ebm machine solutions
download technical paper

What is EBM?

The EBM process utilizes a high-power electron beam that generates the energy needed for high melting capacity and high productivity. The hot process allows you to produce parts with no residual stress and the vacuum ensures a clean and controlled environment. Watch the video to see the process in action.

watch video

General Electric

High productivity and lower cost

We worked with an independent consultant to evaluate the production costs of EBM compared to several laser machines. Two applications were selected for the study: a bracket for the aerospace industry and a hip cup for the orthopedic industry. Both applications were produced in titanium (Ti64). The consultant found Electron Beam Melting had a significant cost advantage compared to other methods.

read more

"Depending on the characteristics of the part, the production cost per part can be up to 50% lower for EBM."

Stacked hip cups in Q10plus

Frequently asked questions

What is the hot process?
Answer
During the hot process, the electron beam heats each layer of the build until the entire powder bed reaches an optimal process temperature specific to the material used. 

As a result, the EBM process produces components without residual stresses and have microstructures free from martensitic structures.
How does the vacuum chamber work?
Answer
The Electron Beam Melting process takes place in a vacuum chamber to ensure a clean and controlled build environment.

Vacuum production is an important aspect of the EBM process as it maintains the chemical specification of the build material.
What is sintering?
Answer
During sintering, parts are produced free floating in sintered powder. This allows parts to be stacked tightly and limits, or eliminates, the need for supports.
What benefits does EBM offer the orthopedic industry?
Answer
EBM technology offers greater freedom of design, as well higher build volume builds, thanks to part-stacking capability. This combination allows for the manufacture of complex and detailed orthopedic implants.

There is a growing number of CE-certified and FDA-cleared implants on the market produced with the Arcam EBM technology.
What benefits does EBM offer the aerospace industry?
Answer
Aerospace is an innovative industry, and engineers are always searching for ways to make parts lighter, faster and more efficient. The EBM process allows you to produce lightweight components with a very efficient buy-to-fly ratio. EBM also allows you to additively manufacture parts using crack-prone materials.

EBM in the orthopedic industry

LimaCorporate

100,000 Patients Later: The 3D-Printed Hip is a Decade Old and Going Strong

You can fashion almost anything on a 3D printer these days, from the most intricate airplane parts to near-perfect replicas of the human skull. But back in 2007, few had printed an object that could be implanted into someone else’s body.

endocon GmbH

Additive at the Cutting Edge of Joint Replacement Surgery

German medical devices company endocon GmbH incorporates additive manufacturing to address hip cup extraction and improves product reliability, cost savings and the patient and clinician experience in the process.

rejoint

Reimagining Knee Replacements with Additive Technology and Artificial Intelligence

Italian medical implant manufacturer REJOINT is introducing mass customization and therapy personalization through a combination of Electron Beam Melting (EBM) and computerized analysis of intraoperative and post-operative data collection through IoT-connected sensorized wearables. 

EBM in the aerospace industry

AVIO AERO

The Blade Runners: This Factory is 3D Printing Turbine Parts for the World's Largest Jet Engine

Cameri is the home of the only final assembly plant outside the United States for Lockheed Martin’s F-35B Joint Strike Fighter, a stealthy jet that can take off and land vertically. And just across from the plant’s runway stands another futuristic

pure copper & tool steel

GE Additive Launches D-Material Support for Pure Copper and Highly Alloyed Tool Steel

Offering new materials builds on the many of the commonly known technology benefits of electron beam melting (EBM), such as high productivity and deep materials experience with crack prone alloys, but also some of the lesser known benefits including; the technology’s clean build environment, low oxidation and low reflectivity.

zenith tecnica

Zenith Tecnica Celebrates Fifth Year Supplying Titanium AM Parts to Leading Satellite Manufacturer

Zenith Tecnica undertook a validation and qualification process in order to gain confidence in the additive manufacturing processes and material. The AM titanium parts are built using GE Additive Arcam EBM machines.