GE Additive introduced the Arcam EBM Spectra H at the RAPID + TCT Show. This new metal additive manufacturing system is built to handle high heat and crack prone materials, such as titanium aluminide (TiAl). It will be manufactured at Arcam’s plant near Gothenburg, Sweden with expected delivery from Q4 2018 onwards.

Today, electron beam melting remains the only commercial additive manufacturing method able to support TiAl production requirements. Initially, the Arcam EBM Spectra H will support both TiAl and Alloy 718; additional Ni-super alloys will be supported from 2019. GE Additive‘s materials science team is currently exploring future opportunities for a range of high heat materials, including; nickel superalloys, tungsten, CoCr, stainless steel and metal matrix composites.

Reducing cost through increased productivity
The Arcam EBM Spectra H incorporates a range of features to drive down cost by increasing the productivity of the system:

An increased build speed of up to 50%
–A 6kW HV-unit means that all pre- and post-heating steps take half the time
–Theme improvements will increase the build speed even further
–Improved heat management through the use of a moveable heat shield to keep heat in the build area
–Improved layering procedure that reduces the need for heating, saving approximately five hours for a full height build

A 39% increased build volume
–Increased build volume from 200 x 200 x 380 mm to Ø250 x 430 mm

Auto beam calibration
–Arcam xQam automatic calibration technology improves the position and focus accuracy and removes the need for manual calibration, reducing the process from three to four hours to 15 minutes
–This calibration will be incorporated on the Arcam EBM Spectra H and all Qplus systems
–The project team is currently exploring the potential for future in situ part qualification

End-to-end industrialization
Reducing dependency on operators and incorporating automation technologies to improve accuracy has been in focus during the development of the Arcam EBM Spectra H.
Improved and automated power handling process
–Development of an automated, self-dosing sieve and hopper filling station process. Powder weight is controlled in the PRS and inside the hopper filling station

Simplified machine set-up
–Automatic powder hoppers. Self-closing when lifted and self-opening when mounted in the machine
–One powder distribution set up for each material only
–Calibration of the fetch position only needs to take place during a material change, no longer before machine start

Closed powder handling maintains batch integrity and reduces the risk of contamination
–The operator is protected from the powder
–A dust tight environment in all steps of the process maintains powder batch integrity. Removal of unwanted particles is handled by a thorough process; a cyclone for small and low-density particles, a sieve for coarse particles and magnetic traps
–Selection of PRS materials in contact with powder. Protection plates in the blasting cabinet are the same material as the powder

GE Additive
www.ge.com/additive