First EBM prints

A few weeks ago I visited Addaero Manufacturing, one of the very few EBM (electron beam melting) service providers in the US. After my recent trials (and successes) with laser powder bed fusion, I wanted to try building parts with EBM. EBM is used extensively by aerospace and medical OEMs, but its penetration into the job shop world is way behind laser. Addaero, whose founders (Rich Merlino and Dave Hill) both worked at Pratt & Whitney before striking out on their own, is located just a few hours from New York City, and they were gracious enough to build two parts for me to evaluate the process.

I'll be writing up a longer post on the unique design considerations that EBM poses, but for now I wanted to share the pictures I took while there:

Seatpost head 1

For more on the design of this part, see this post.

Seatpost head 2

For more on the design of this part, see this post.

Seatpost head 3

For more on the design of this part, see this post.

Seatpost head 4

For more on the design of this part, see this post.

Seatpost head 5

For more on the design of this part, see this post.

Seatpost head 6

For more on the design of this part, see this post.

Seatmast topper 1

Compare this to my most recent laser sintered seatmast topper, here.

Seatmast topper 2

Compare this to my most recent laser sintered seatmast topper, here.

Seatmast topper 3

Compare this to my most recent laser sintered seatmast topper, here.

Seatmast topper 4

Compare this to my most recent laser sintered seatmast topper, here.

Seatmast topper 5

Compare this to my most recent laser sintered seatmast topper, here.

Arcam equipment

Addaero has an Arcam A2X.

Support removal 1

Support removal 2

Support removal 3

Support removal 4

Dave using the media blast cabinet

Support removal 5

Inside the blast cabinet, trying to clear out some stubborn powder.

Support removal 6

Inside the blast cabinet, trying to clear out some stubborn powder.

Support removal 7

Addaero's airy shop

This space used to be a bearing factory; its lofted ceilings give an open, comfortable feel.

As with all powder bed fusion shops, all the tools at Addaero need to be spark proof.

Arcam machines use thin combs to spread powder across the build platform.

At this point, the parts Addaero made for me still need post processing before they can be assembled and tested. I'll be working on that over the coming weeks, and will update soon on my progress.