EBM

Step 1

Printing

Unlike polymer based Powder Bed Fusion technologies, EBM requires support structures to anchor the object to the build plate. A layer of metal powder is spread across the build area. The machine pre-heats the layer of powder. An electron beam fuses, or melts, the powder together under a vacuum. The powder is melted only in the places needed to build the geometry of the final part. The spreading, heating and fusing steps are repeated until a part is created and the finished build is left to cool down inside the machine.

Step 2

Post Printing

The build chamber is removed from the printer and placed in the machine's de-powdering station. The build plate is raised to lift the part out of the chamber and all unsintered powder is brushed and blown away from the parts which are anchored to the build plate by the support structures. The part(s) are then separated from the build plate either by a saw or Wire EDM. The build plate is then resurfaced before it can be used again.

Step 3

Support Removal

Manual Removal Required for most builds; supports are fused metal and must be cut off using saws, grinders, or CNC machining Soluble Support Removal Non-applicable Manual Cleaning Note: Support structures are easier to remove than in DMLS due to less residual stress, but they still require machining tools.

Step 4

Surface Finishing

Sanding / Polishing Used to reduce surface roughness, which is generally higher than DMLS due to larger powder particle sizes. Chemical Smoothing / Coating Electropolishing and chemical etching are common, especially for medical implants. Painting / Priming Rare, but may be applied for cosmetic purposes or protective coatings. Gloss / Matte Control Achieved through post-process polishing or coating; as-printed parts have a matte, granular surface.

Step 5

Curing / Heat Treatment

UV / Thermal Curing Non-applicable. Annealing / Stress Relief Often not required because the EBM process occurs at high temperatures, which naturally reduces internal stresses during printing.

Step 6

Assembly and Functional Finishing

Gluing or Bonding Rare; metal joining typically done via welding, brazing, or mechanical fasteners. Drilling / Tapping / CNC Common to refine features, improve surface quality, and add precise holes or threads. Inserts / Fasteners Threaded inserts and mechanical joints are often used in assembly, especially in aerospace.

Step 7

Special Treatments

Infiltration / Sealing Non-applicable; EBM parts are fully dense after processing. Functional Coatings Anodising (especially for titanium), biocompatible coatings, or hard coatings for wear resistance. Post-print Functionalisation HIP (Hot Isostatic Pressing) may be applied to further enhance density and fatigue life, especially for critical aerospace or medical components.