12 kW, 80 kV Electron Beam Welding (EBW) Equipment

Brief Description

12kW, 80kV Electron Beam Welding (EBW) Equipment is used for welding circular seams (60 mm maximum outer diameter) and linear seams (200 mm maximum length) of refractory as well as high strength materials such as Niobium, Zircalloy and maraging steel.

Electron Beam Welding is a fusion welding process wherein a focused beam of high energy electrons is directed to the weld joint. The work-piece melt as the kinetic energy of the electrons is transformed into heat upon impact. Electron beams (EB) are amenable to fine control and therefore it is possible to obtain a high degree of accuracy and repeatability of the welding process.

Advantages

• High depth to width ratio (~ 20) with low mechanical distortions.
• Narrow heat affected zone due to low heat input
• Dissimilar metal welding due to precise EB maneuverability
  

Sub-Systems

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

• Electron Beam Gun Column
• Work Chamber & Work handling system
• Vacuum systems
• Medium Frequency High voltage D.C. Power Source
• Electronic control systems.
  

Applications

EBW is mainly used for welding of nuclear and aerospace components. Advancements in the EBW process automation has lead to increased production throughput. Hence this welding process is presently receiving wider application in automotive and microelectronics industries.

EBW can be the last step in the manufacturing sequence. This reduces the post weld machining cost. EBW is also useful in welding thick sections in a single pass. In applications wherein the purity of the weld is of utmost importance, EBW has found favor as the weld process in carried out under vacuum.

Contact:

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