Electron Beam Melting 3D Printer
Results of Deformation Forecast by Numerical Analysis
A powder bed fusion 3D printer applies a heat source (laser or electron beam) to layers of evenly distributed metal powder to selectively melt and solidify the metal. By repeating this process of distributing the metal powder and melting and solidifying it several tens of micrometers at a time, it is possible to produce an object in the shape of the desired product.
This enables the product to be formed directly from 3D data, without the need for a metal mold or similar. This characteristic offers unprecedented potential for rapidity and complexity in producing, so is likely to have a major impact on manufacturing.
However, to prevent deformation due to solidification shrinkage during the producing process, supports need to be fitted at appropriate positions. The design of these supports is the unique know-how of metal 3D printer.
By accumulating this know-how through the production of various shaped objects and developing numerical analysis technology, we have been able to predict where deformation is likely to occur prior to the production process. We strive to improve techniques from both of these experimental and analytical approaches, enabling rapid and accurate production. These techniques realize production of products of unprecedented complexity, thus contributing to the enhancement and differentiation of product performance.
The other distinctive feature is that this method makes it possible to manufacture items directly from metal powder. Without being confined to existing materials, EBARA is working on the development of distinctive products through the development of original materials that match EBARA’s product performance and the manufacture of products with these materials.
Example of products
Open impeller just after production