Arcam EBM Spectra H

The Arcam EBM Spectra H is an EBM 3D printer from GE Additive / Colibrium Additive with a 250 x 250 x 430 mm build volume.

Specifications

Technical Specifications: Arcam EBM Spectra H

Technology and Energy Source

The Arcam EBM Spectra H uses Electron Beam Melting with a new-generation 6 kW HV electron gun: twice as powerful as the previous Q-series systems. Accelerating voltage is 60 kV; the increased power allows all preheat and cool-down steps to complete in half the time of the Q20plus.

Point Melt Technology

Unlike conventional line scanning, Point Melt irradiates each location on the bed point by point: the beam dwells statically at a given position for a pre-set time before moving to the next.

Calibration

Calibration: Arcam EBM Spectra H

• xQam Automatic Calibration: Trigger the xQam routine before every new job. The system automatically measures and corrects beam focus, astigmatism, and geometric deflection. Expect completion in ~15 minutes and geometric accuracy < ± 0.1 mm in XY. Tip: after an electron gun replacement, always run the full xQam sequence: not just a quick verification.

2.

Common defects

Common Defects: Arcam EBM Spectra H

Hot Cracking in Alloy 718

Symptom: micro-cracks along grain boundaries or dendritic zones, visible by metallographic analysis or FPI. Cause: the wide solidification range of Ni-superalloys leads to solidification and liquation cracking: non-optimal Point Melt parameters worsen the effect. Fix: optimise the Point Melt sequence via DoE; apply HIP post-build; limit cooling rate.

Smoke Event with Alloy 718.

What it is used for

Applications and Limitations, Arcam EBM Spectra H

Best suited for:

• TiAl turbine blades, the only EBM system with > 1000 °C bed temperature; Point Melt technology prevents the brittle fracture of TiAl during cooling.
• Aerospace components from Alloy 718: Point Melt provides precise thermal control for Ni-superalloys; EB-PBF avoids oxidation critical for complex cooling channels.