EBM Electron Beam Melting rapid prototyping services is a high tech form additive manufacturing which uses an electron beam instead of a laser or thermal printhead. EBM 3D printing services are often used for the production of incredibly dense metal parts. The process of electron beam melting is developed and manufactured by Swedish company Arcam AB.
The material used in electron beam melting prototyping services is usually a metal powder in pure alloy form – no additional filler material is used in the mixture. EBM prototyping services begin with a layer of metal powder placed on a temperature controlled print platform. The chamber is vacuum-sealed to minimize any effect of oxidation on the material. The electron beam printer head travels above the powder layer while internal electromagnetic coils melt a cross-sectional area of the object to complete the first layer. The beam is able to rapidly melt areas of the object at the same time, allowing for faster build speeds compare to other sintering prototyping processes. Once the layer is complete an automated roller spreads a fresh coat of powder on top of the previous (melted) layer. The process is repeated until a complete 3D object is formed.
What type of objects are best for Electron Beam Melting prototyping services?
Electron beam melting prototyping services are used for high stress aerospace applications and medical grade implants. Different titanium alloys as well as cobalt chrome are used primarily in EBM services. Electron beam melting equipment is different than other laser or heat based sintering processes. EBM produced objects do not require any additional thermal heat treatment to achieve the full mechanical properties of the part. EBM prototype services produce parts with solid densities and little to no internal stresses due to the high temperature of electron beam melting. Therefore it allows companies to use EBM prototyping services to produce both prototypes and low cost, high quality parts.
Are there any disadvantages to EBM prototyping?
Supports are not required during production as objects are t by excess powder. In some cases stress can occur due to improper cooling which could lead to object distortion or warping.
Our EBM Prototyping Services
Our company maintains an exclusive suite of professional EBM prototyping services to suit any industry or application. Our team thrives on industry experience, quality control standards, and strategic alliances.
No matter the complexity of your project, we’ll offer:
1) Budget friendly service with fast turnaround times.
2) A consultative approach to creating your prototype design: service recommendations, 3D modeling, and material selection.
3) The largest network of EBM prototyping & 3d printing services on the west coast, with access to a diverse set of EBM prototyping equipment.
How do I get started having my object 3D printed with EBM prototyping services?
Feel free to contact us through our website or over the phone for any questions. We can provide you with EBM prototyping using our network of 3D printing resources. We’ll leverage a diverse set of services so that your product is done with speed, accuracy, and quality.
