ABOUT EBFLOW TECHNOLOGY
Unlocking the future of engineering
Ebflow is different to all other welding technologies.
Rather than welding inside a costly, size-limiting vacuum chamber, Ebflow creates a local vacuum around just the seam that is being welded – meaning engineers can think outside of the box when it comes to welding.
How it works
Ebflow uses a powerful electron beam gun and a system of sliding seals to create a local coarse vacuum, which is established and maintained, only where it is needed.
Readily transportable, Ebflow can be mounted on a circular track for precision handling – making it particularly suitable for large, tubular, thick section materials, where fast longitudinal and circumferential welds are needed.
Ebflow’s differential pumping and laser heated diode gun allows for operation in a local vacuum with a pressure of c.1 mbar (high vacuum is 5×10-3 to 1×10-4 mbar).
Unlike traditional welding techniques that typically require the use of third party materials, Ebflow utilises a focused beam of high velocity electrons to melt parent materials together.
With no filler wire or shielding gas or flux required, the resulting weld is autogenous, can be heat-treated, and is rendered metallurgically indistinguishable from the parent material.
Ebflow – game-changing possibilities for intricate engineering projects with a mission critical welding requirement.
HOW IT WORKS
System highlights
- A local vacuum is established and maintained only where it is needed
- Post-weld inspections can be carried out immediately
- Delivers increased weld quality and reliability, with low distortion
- Minimal weld prep/bevel required – ‘edge to edge’ fit-up
- Contributes towards significant improvements in carbon footprint, quality, economy, and productivity
- The sliding seals and precision handling systems enable fast set-up and pre-welding operations for a variety of workpiece dimensions
- Welding consumables are not required (no filler wire – autogenous)
- Welding without pre-heating is typical
For more information on how Ebflow works, download our technical brochure
What EBFLOW customers say
We are delighted to have reached a significant milestone in assembling a nuclear vessel demonstrator, using electron beam welding for the first time at this scale, with 100 per cent success and no defects.
Professor Jesus Talamantes-Silva
R&D & Technology Director at Sheffield Forgemasters
FAQs
What is electron beam welding?
Electron beam welding is a high-precision welding process that uses a focused beam of high-velocity electrons to melt and join materials, often in a vacuum to prevent contamination. This technique allows for deep weld penetration with minimal distortion, making it ideal for applications requiring high-quality welds in aerospace, power generation, shipbuilding and civil engineering projects.
How is Ebflow different?
Ebflow takes electron beam welding outside of the vacuum chamber. Employing a series of seals to create a local vacuum around just the area being welded, Ebflow delivers greater flexibility in how and where electron beam welding can be used and is compliant with appropriate industry codes and standards set by regulatory bodies such as DNV and ASME.
Is electron beam welding an expensive product to implement?
Electron beam welding equipment is more expensive than standard welding – but the time and cost savings on offer are monumental. Ebflow can help companies streamline processes and reduce the duration of welding – enhancing productivity and enabling resources to be allocated more efficiently. Using Ebflow, cost savings can be realised through reduced labor expenses, lower consumable costs and material waste, and decreased operational downtime. Additionally, the improved accuracy and consistency of the welds leads to higher quality outcomes and fewer errors that require costly corrections. The cumulative effect of these advantages boosts profitability – giving companies a competitive edge as they look to deliver products and services more quickly and at a lower cost to their customers.
