Electron beam printer a reality for industry

Sciaky, a subsidiary of Phillips Service Industries (PSI) is marketing its electron beam additive manufacturing (EBAM) systems for the first time.

Sciaky has predominantly offered its additive manufacturing process as a service-only option to manufacturers wanting parts, up to 19ft (5.79m) in length, made of high-value metals such as titanium, tantalum, stainless steel, and Inconel.

The technology has been a key driver of several high profile research and development (R&D) projects involving the US Air Force, Lockheed Martin, DARPA and Boeing.

The EBAM process, which has been marketed as direct manufacturing, combines computer-aided design (CAD), electron beam welding technology and layer-additive processing.

Starting with a 3D model from a CAD program, Sciaky’s fully-articulated, moving electron beam welding gun deposits metal (via wire feedstock), layer by layer.

Deposition rates of Sciaky’s EBAM process range from 7 to 20 lbs (3kg-9kg) an hour, depending upon part geometry and the material selected. The build envelope can reach up to 19’ x 4’ x 4’ (L x W x H), allowing manufacturers to produce very large parts and structures, with virtually no waste.

As a result, manufacturers can drastically reduce material costs, lead times and machining time, when compared to traditional manufacturing methods.