Non-vacuum Electron Beam Welding

Description: An established process for welding thermal and highly rigid and/or reactive materials is the vacuum electron beam welding (VEBW). The laser is often used as an alternative in order to avoid evacuation. The non-vacuum electron beam welding (NVEBW) from PTR Prazisionstechnik GmbH, which operates at atmospheric conditions, is an economical alternative as it is decisively more powerful. Principle and special characteristics: the electron beam is generated in the high vacuum of the EB generator and transferred to the atmosphere via a pressure step system. Evacuation times no longer exist. The electron beam is focussed magnetically onto the work piece. In order to achieve narrow seams the working distances are generally between 6 and 30 mm. The work piece and/or the generator are moved during welding. The diffusion effect of the beam exiting into atmosphere can be reduced by letting out a stream of helium coaxial to the electron beam. Areas of use: this form of welding is carried out preferably without additional material. Butt joints, overlapping seams, T -joints, leaf-edge joints, edge fillet welds, raised seams are especially economical. In the preferred applications the thickness of the welded materials is between 0.5 and 5 mm. This process can be used for all welding materials. Processing advantages of NVEBW: overall efficiency (wall plug to work piece) > 50%; energy coupling efficiency > 90%; high welding speeds and low energy usage with beam power up to 30 kW; low operational costs and inexpensive spare parts; and high processing safety and easy quality assurance. Areas of use for NVEBW machines: automobile industry - tailored banks, instrument panels, exhaust systems; tool building; and welding technology laboratories.