To enable project success, ORNL is looking to expand their capabilities in electron beam powder bed additive manufacturing. The system specifications that are required are listed below. The electron beam powder bed additive system will allow for small scale processing of high temperature materials in a vacuum environment. The system will allow for complete control over the electron beam positioning as a function of time along with in-situ electron monitoring correlated to beam position. The system will require small amounts of metal powder in order to build specimens. The system will also conform to space and weight requirements listed below.

Certain non-negotiable features as well as further stretch goals have been identified for the Small Scale R&D EBM system. Listed below, a machine is being pursued that…

Specifications:

Power Source: Electron Beam

Beam accelerating voltage: at least 60kV

Laser heated cathode

Beam Power: Variable up to 6 kW

Build volume shape: Circular

Build volume size: no larger than 100mm diameter and 150mm tall

Base pressure in vacuum chamber: at least 10-6 mbar or lower

Base pressure in electron gun: at least 10-6 mbar or lower

Pumpdown time of vacuum chamber: no more than 15 minutes

System will contain a backscatter electron detector for in-situ process monitoring able to operate in both TOPO and COMPO modes

System will utilize a push piston to supply powder to the raking mechanism

System will utilize a periscope type optical train to allow for unobstructed viewing of the fabrication process without degradation due to metallization

Beam control and tool paths will be open source and fully customizable via programming scripts

System will utilize a digital acquisition system along with triggers to allow for 3rd party sensors to be integrated into the system

System will utilize Linux as the primary operating system

Time to change to new material: less than 4 hours

System will have a footprint in X and Y of less than 3 square meters

System will weigh less than 1000 kg

System Power: 400V

Delivery timeframe less than 2 months

Installation of the equipment will be performed by seller along with a site acceptance test to be determined by the seller

Seller will supply any documentation on electrical certifications and electrical diagrams

Seller will provide on-site training of the equipment

Seller will supply option for service contract