Arcam EBM A2XX

The Arcam EBM A2XX is an EBM 3D printer from Arcam with a 350 x 350 x 380 mm build volume.

Specifications

Arcam EBM A2XX: Technical Specifications

Beam Source

Electron beam at ~60 kV accelerating voltage, similar to the A2 but with modified thermal management to sustain operating temperatures above 1,000 °C during multi-hour cycles.

Optics / Scanner

Electromagnetic deflection coils; scanning speed >1,000 m/s. Multi-beam strategy enables simultaneous peripheral heating and active-layer melting.

Platform

Enlarged build volume of 350 × 350 × 380 mm, significantly larger than the A2, designed to accommodate full-size TiAl turbine blades.

Chamber / Environment.

Calibration

Calibration Protocol: Arcam EBM A2XX

1. Strict Vacuum Start

Achieve <5 × 10⁻⁵ mbar before loading TiAl powder. Even minor leaks cause Al evaporation at >1,000 °C, compromising material stoichiometry.

2. Multi-Stage Preheat

Heat the powder bed gradually: 400 °C → 700 °C → 900 °C → >1,000 °C with 15–20 minute hold plateaus at each step. TiAl is extremely sensitive to thermal shock: rapid temperature jumps trigger mass cracking.

3. Hot-Start Beam Calibration.

Common defects

Common Defects: Arcam EBM A2XX

TiAl Cracking (Quasi-Brittle Fracture)

Most common defect on this platform. Cause: steep thermal gradients along the Z-axis or rapid cooling above 500 °C. TiAl is an intermetallic compound with low room-temperature ductility: stresses cannot relax plastically. Fix: programmed step-cool profile (<5 °C/min); massive support structures for thermal stabilization.

Al Evaporation and Stoichiometric Deficiency.

What it is used for

Applications and Recommendations

Suitable Applications

• TiAl turbine blades: The A2XX was built for this purpose: TiAl reduces weight by ~50% compared to nickel superalloys while maintaining comparable thermomechanical properties at 700–800 °C service temperature in gas turbine engines.