GE Additive
EBM: High productivity in a powerful beam
Electron beam melting (EBM) technology has the power to help businesses build the next generation of applications, today. Offering high productivity and lower cost per part, EBM is an innovative technology for manufacturing in the orthopedic implant and aerospace industries.
As a proven leader in cost-efficient Additive Manufacturing (AM) solutions to produce orthopedic implants and aerospace applications, the electron beam melting process has the power to unleash a new generation of additive innovation. This leading-edge technology, offers your business freedom in design, excellent material properties, and stacking capabilities. When you combine these advantages with the elimination of heat treatment, and wire cutting, your business will see an increase in productivity, when you adopt EBM technology.
What is Electron Beam Melting?
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.
The Electron Beam Melting process
The EBM process offers unique characteristics that lead to high productivity and lower cost per part. Explore electron beam melting below.
The EBM process offers unique characteristics that lead to high productivity and lower cost per part. Explore electron beam melting below.
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Electron beamElectron beam
The electron beam serves as an energy carrier, allowing rapid electromagnetic beam control.
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Hot process
Hot process
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 a microstructure free from martensitic structures.
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Vacuum chamber
Vacuum chamber
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.
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Sintering
Sintering
During sintering parts are produced free floating in sintered powder. This allows parts to be stacked tightly and eliminate, or limit, the need for mechanical support.
EBM manufacturing advantages: 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 during manufacture.
Depending on the characteristics of the part, the production cost per part can be up to 50% lower for EBM.
EBM in the orthopedic industry
EBM technology offers greater freedom of design, through fewer supports, and higher volume builds thanks to tightly stacking parts. A combination that allows for the manufacture of complex and detailed orthopedic implants.
In addition, there are a growing number of CE-certified and FDA-cleared implants produced with the Arcam EBM technology on the market.
EBM in the aerospace industry
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 light-weight components with a Buy-to-fly ratio very close to 1. EBM also allows you to additively manufacture with crack prone materials.
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