Electrons are generated by heating the filament located in the electron beam gun (grid). Because of the special design of this gun, the electrons are shaped to form the electron beam. The beam then travels through the following:

-> Anode -> Column Valve -> Magnetic Lens -> Deflection Coil ...and then enters the chamber work area to the part. The stream of high voltage electrons is accelerated to a velocity of approximately 2/3 (two thirds) the speed of light or about 117,000 miles per second.

The stream of high voltage electrons is accelerated to a velocity of approximately 2/3 (two thirds) the speed of light or about 117,000 miles per second.

This concentrated stream of high velocity electrons generates kinetic energy upon impact with the metal part, creating thermal energy (heat) resulting in fusion or melting of the two pieces to be joined.
The machine operator views the welding operation directly through optics or remotely through a CCTV attachment.

The basic operation of welding a part is as follows:

Load part or parts in a fixture which is mounted to the base table in the work area of the vacuum chamber.

1- Pump the chamber down to a vacuum level of approximately 10 -4 mm Hg.
2- Initiate stream of electrons on target to set the meters, then re-initiate the beam on a part & weld.
3- Vent the chamber to atmospheric pressure and remove the welded part.

This unique and impressive process does the 'impossible' by welding a complete range of thicknesses from foils to thick plate and welds nearly all metal alloys, including the refractory materials like columbium or tantalum without concern of oxidizing the melted metal.

The advantages of this process are numerous. Please refer to our 'ADVANTAGES' web page.