Arcam EBM A2X

The Arcam EBM A2X is an EBM 3D printer from Arcam with a 200 x 200 x 380 mm build volume.

Specifications

Arcam EBM A2X: Technical Specifications

Beam Source

Electron beam with 3 kW power at 60 kV accelerating voltage. The beam is steered by electromagnetic coils: no moving optical parts.

Scanner / Deflection

Electromagnetic beam deflection achieving scan speeds up to 8,000 m/s for near-instantaneous melt pool repositioning.

Process Chamber

High-vacuum chamber (≤ 1×10⁻³ mbar) with build platform temperatures exceeding 1,000 °C during preheat. Actively controlled thermal environment: classified as 'active enclosure'.

Build Volume

200 × 200 × 380 mm: designed for R&D coupons and small test series, not production batches.

Layer Thickness.

Calibration

Arcam EBM A2X Calibration

• Vacuum Check: before each build, confirm chamber pressure ≤ 1×10⁻³ mbar. The beam will not activate if pressure is too high. Inspect seals after every powder change.
• Beam Calibration: verify focus spot and beam position using a test print. Deviation must be < 0.1 mm at 200 mm from center. Perform after cathode replacement or extended idle periods.
• Start Plate Preheat: heat to 730–900 °C using a defocused beam.

Common defects

Common Defects on Arcam EBM A2X

Edge Swelling: protrusion of contour edges on each layer. Cause: insufficient preheat energy or excessive contour beam speed. Fix: reduce contour pass speed and increase number of passes.

Gas Porosity: voids visible in cross-section. Cause: trapped gas from powder or insufficient vacuum during loading. Fix: certified low-gas-content powder; verify vacuum before charging.

Delamination in TiAl/Inconel: horizontal cracks between layers.

What it is used for

Applications of Arcam EBM A2X

Well-suited scenarios:

• Materials development: open platform allows testing of non-certified powders; primary choice for γ-TiAl and intermetallic research
• Process parameter optimization: full EBM parameter control without production-machine restrictions
• Academic laboratories: universities and research centers needing industrial EBM at small scales.