Arcam EBM A2

The Arcam EBM A2 is an EBM 3D printer from Arcam with a 200 x 200 x 350 mm build volume.

Specifications

Arcam EBM A2: Technical Specifications

Beam Source

Electron beam with a new High Voltage Power unit (~60 kV accelerating voltage), providing improved beam power control and current stability compared to the S12.

Optics / Scanner

Electromagnetic deflection coils for inertia-free beam steering; scanning speed >1,000 m/s. Multi-beam strategies allow simultaneous control of multiple melt zones.

Platform

Interchangeable build tank in two variants: wide (standard) and tall (for parts up to 350 mm). The platform descends in Z-axis steps with ±0.05 mm repeatability.

Chamber / Environment

High vacuum (<5 × 10⁻⁴ mbar) protects reactive metals from oxidation.

Calibration

Calibration Protocol: Arcam EBM A2

1. Vacuum Qualification

Achieve and hold <5 × 10⁻⁴ mbar for 15 minutes. The turbomolecular pump is the main failure point on older A2 units: inspect before every production cycle.

2. High Voltage Power Verification

Check accelerating voltage (~60 kV) and emission current. Deviations of ±0.5 kV or ±2 mA require inspection of HV cables and the insulation block.

3. Powder Preheat

Execute multiple reduced-power scans.

Common defects

Common Defects: Arcam EBM A2

Smoke Event

Causes: insufficient preheat, poor vacuum, wet or contaminated powder. Result: chaotic powder ejection that can fail the entire build. Fix: systematic preheat; vacuum <5 × 10⁻⁴ mbar; sieved dry powder only.

Porosity

In Ti-6Al-4V parts: consequence of insufficient linear energy or mismatched parameter set. Fix: reduce scan speed or increase beam current; validate with a new coupon.

Delamination at High Z.

What it is used for

Applications and Recommendations

Suitable Applications

• Orthopedic prototypes: Hip and knee components with lattice structures for osseointegration: the 350 mm Z-axis covers most implant sizes.
• Academic CoCr and Ti-6Al-4V research: The A2 is cited in hundreds of publications; parameters and microstructural data are widely available.