The electron beam welding process is powered by the thermal energy of electrons. Laser welding on the other hand is powered by photons. The heat of the electron beam reaches a temperature of 25,000 degrees C. Three different kinds of electron beam welders exist; the most popular delivers a beam from a tight vacuum design. A second kind is a partial vacuum design, and the third is a non-vacuum model.

The physics of the electron beam welding machine is complex. It helps to find a diagram of the welding apparatus that shows the anatomy of the machine. There’s a technical language attached to it with words like beam voltage, beam oscillation, beam deflection coils, beam current, aspect ratio, anode, alignment coils and accelerating potential. When looking for electron beam welding training services, consider these options:

1. Find the electronic beam welding services you need for welding and repairs.

2. Research electron beam welding information to master the welding techniques and maintain equipment.

3. Use the services of the electron beam welding companies who design and build the equipment.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate the company you need for your electronic beam welding services and repairs

Electron beam welding companies are in the business of welding and melding metals that normally do not want to join permanently. When you have a need for an electronic beam welding service, you can choose to use a local company, or find a company online to ship your parts through the mail.

I recommend: EB Industries uses sophisticated electronic beam welding technology to combine and join dissimilar metals for the smaller jobs in microelectronics, as well as the medical and aerospace industries. Outsource your high and low voltage, partial vacuum, high vacuum and non-vacuum jobs to PTR Precision Technologies. For a company with history and experience, turn to EBTEC, who pioneered electron beam welding years ago with the Apollo space program. They offer maximum strength welding with little distortion, joining ferrous metals, light metals, precious metals and alloys.

Learn the process of electronic beam welding to maintain and use your equipment properly

Electron beam welding technology is new, and often no one but scientists and engineers fully understand it. Delve into the research and training to learn enough of the science of your equipment that you can keep it maintained at a top-notch level. Use it the way it is meant to be used, and be a skilled business person in electron beam welding.

I recommend: The Joining Technologies website has an explanation of the electron beam welding process. Look at the pictorial diagram and the glossary of terms associated with the electron beam welder to grasp a deeper understanding of your equipment and its use. Look to Electron Beam Industries for parts and components for welding equipment.

Make the leap and use the electron beam welding services of some of the best companies on the market

Go to the originators and founders of the technology, and use the services of those who build the equipment.

I recommend: Electron Beam Engineering offers welding services for diverse applications. If you own your own electron beam welding business, they have the parts and components for your equipment. This company works from the ground floor up; they design and build their own equipment. For strip welding, overhaul and repair turn to KTI.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Electronic beam welding equipment is very expensive. Read the manuals, keep up on the maintenance and get the training necessary to maintain and use your equipment properly.