6 kW, 15 kV Electron Beam Melting (EBM) Equipment

Brief Description

Electron Beam Melting (EBM) is a process wherein a focused beam of high energy electrons is directed to the target material (charge).The kinetic energy of the electrons is transformed into heat upon striking the target material. Due to the excellent maneuverability of electron beams EB melting process can produce homogeneous melt pools. A high degree of refinement is achieved as the process is carried in vacuum.

BARC has indigenously developed a 6 kW, 15 kV Electron Beam Melting Equipment for melting and consolidation of irregular size of metal / alloys in to regular forms like buttons, fingers and rings. These samples are then used for metallurgical evaluation and the process is repeated until the desired quality is attained.

Advantages

The main advantages of EB Melting as compared to other available popular melting methods are

• Melting of refractory materials
• Homogenous ingot
• High purity ( free from gaseous and high vapor pressure impurities)

Sub-Systems

The major sub-systems of the EBM equipment are as follows:

• Electron Beam Gun Column
• Work Chamber
• Charge Hearth movement system
• Vacuum systems
• High voltage D.C. Power Source
• Electronic control systems.
  

Applications

EBM is mainly employed for the production of refractory and reactive metals (tantalum, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium, hafnium, zirconium, titanium) and their alloys.

It plays an important role in manufacturing of ultra-pure sputtering target materials and electronic alloys and the recycling of titanium scrap.

Contact:

Head, Technology Transfer & Collaboration Division,
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre,
Trombay, Mumbai - 400 085
Email : headttcd@barc.gov.in