Title: The application of modern high-energy electron beam technologies

Authors: Anja Buchwalder; Rolf Zenker

Addresses: TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Institute of Materials Engineering, Gustav-Zeuner-Str. 5 09599 Freiberg, Germany ' TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Institute of Materials Engineering, Gustav-Zeuner-Str. 5 09599 Freiberg, Germany; Zenker Consult, Johann-Sebastian-Bach-Str. 12, 09648 Mittweida, Germany

Abstract: High-energy electron beam (EB) is highly applicable for thermal processes like surface treatments, joining, ablating or for the additive manufacturing of metallic materials. Furthermore, many process-specific features may be regarded as beneficial characteristics, including the inherently high energy density and the various possibilities offered by high-speed beam deflection. The essentials of these different EB processes will be discussed and examples of applications demonstrated. The main aim of EB surface treatments is the improvement of hardness, wear and/or corrosion resistance of local functional surfaces. The EB ablating is applied for producing inserts in cast components, for improving the adherence of spray coatings on substrates or for the generation of small lubrication dimples in bearings. EB welding, may be distinguished by narrow welds with extremely high depths - and mostly without filler material. The EB additive manufacturing represents future-oriented technologies for the production of complex structures in modern industrial applications.

Keywords: electron beam; surface treatment; joining; ablating; additive manufacturing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMMP.2017.091108

International Journal of Microstructure and Materials Properties, 2017 Vol.12 No.3/4, pp.288 - 300

Received: 20 Jul 2017
Accepted: 17 Aug 2017

Published online: 10 Apr 2018 *

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