The state of the art in the electron beam manufacturing processes

Abstract

Some manufacturing processes use electron beams (EBs), a type of thermal energy transfer process, whereby the temperature of a machine and/or surface being treated is elevated due to EB irradiation. It is an advanced manufacturing process that can produce high-quality products with rapid, eco-friendly, cost-effective, and high-productivity processing characteristics. This paper describes the types of EBs and their specific characteristics depending on application areas in manufacturing. Furthermore, the state of the art of EB manufacturing, including various types of machining and surface treatments, is discussed along with research investigating the accuracy and mechanical and chemical properties of EB-processed materials.