Electron-beam freeform fabrication

Summary

Electron-beam freeform fabrication (EBF3) or electron-beam directed energy deposition is an additive manufacturing process that builds near-net-shape parts. It requires far less raw material and finish machining than traditional manufacturing methods. EBF3 is done in a vacuum chamber where an electron beam is focused on a constantly feeding source of metal, which is melted and applied as called for by a three-dimensional layered drawing - one layer at a time - on top of a rotating metallic substrate until the part is complete.