eMELT-iD

The eMELT-iD is an EBM 3D printer from Freemelt with a 100 x 100 x 325 mm build volume.

Specifications

Electron Beam

60 kV acceleration voltage; 0-6 kW continuous beam power. Electromagnetic deflection with high scan speed.

Chamber & Atmosphere

Working pressure <10E-4 mbar (high vacuum) - no inert gas required. Vacuum is essential for reactive metals (Ti, W, Mo).

Platform & Powder Feed

Non-gravity push-piston powder feed handles low-flowability powders. Z-platform stroke 325 mm.

Build Volume

100x100x325 mm cylindrical envelope - identical to eMELT-iM, ensuring true process transfer fidelity.

BSE Monitoring

Backscattered electron detector generates high-contrast layer-by-layer images for in-situ QA.

Software.

Calibration

Vacuum preparation

Reach <10E-4 mbar; inspect seals when changing BuildUnit or material.

Beam calibration

Focus + stigmator at 60 kV; spot-size verification on a copper calibration plate after each cathode replacement.

Pre-sinter parameters

Set current and scan speed for complete powder sintering - critical to prevent smoke event with new materials.

Process window test cube.

Common defects

Smoke event (powder charge)

Symptom: visible cloud, abrupt powder loss. Cause: electrostatic charging from insufficient pre-sintering. Fix: increase pre-sinter dose; inspect powder morphology.

Porosity

Spherical (entrapped gas in powder) or irregular (lack of fusion). Fix: use low-gas-content powder; optimise linear energy dose.

Distortion and warping

Curling at low preheat. Fix: raise temperature setpoint; increase contour pre-sinter.

Recoater streaks.

What it is used for

Aerospace alloy qualification

Process transfer fidelity with iM enables AS9100/NADCAP-compatible path without re-qualification.

Medical Ti implants

Porous trabecular structures without supports - EB-PBF's natural powder sintering is ideal for osseointegration.

Nuclear & reactive metals.