Electron Beam Welding Machine

The machine is mainly used for electron beam welding process. This is a fusion welding process, which involves applying a beam of high-velocity electrons is applied the materials being welded or joined. Electrons can be defined as fundamental atomic particles that feature negative charge and an exceedingly small mass.

Almost all metals can be welded with the electron beam welding process. Combination of many dissimilar metals can also be welded by these machines. They are also widely used for nuclear applications.

Components of Electron Beam Welding Machine
Basically, there are three components of an electron beam welding machine:

• The electron beam gun
• Power supply with controls
• A vacuum work chamber with work-handling equipment

Welding Process
The process involves exciting electrons to a high energy state for obtaining energy to heat the fusion weld. The electron beam is always achieved in a high vacuum medium. The electron beam gun discharges electrons, accelerates the electron beam; and focuses it on the work piece.

The assignment of heat in electron beam welding is controlled by four variables, namely:

• The number of electrons hitting the work piece or beam current per second
• The speed of electron at the moment of impact
• Diameter of the electron beam at or within the work-piece, also known as the beam spot size
• The welding speed or speed of travel of electron beams

One of the major advantages of electron beam welding is its excellent penetration.

Uses & Applications
Some of the areas where electron beam welding machine is used are:

• Nuclear field
• Welding super alloys
• Refractory metals welding
• Welding reactive metals
• Welding stainless steel
• Medical applications
• Power stations