The difference between reduced pressure and conventional EBW is in the design of the electron gun. Novel gun design allows the process to be carried out at a rough vacuum level, or reduced atmospheric pressure, (hence the name reduced pressure) of around 1mbar compared with 10 ^-5 - 10 ^-2 mbar for conventional EBW. The technology was initially developed at TWI in 1992 and is has undergone continued development since this time.

A major benefit of the reduced pressure requirement is the ability to function with local seals or vacuum arrangements rather than a traditional vacuum chamber. Thus, large structures are now viable for EB welding.

Set-up and pump down times for RPEBW are up to 3 times quicker than conventional EBW so allowing better utilisation of equipment and higher throughput. One further economic benefit is the lower capital purchase cost when compared to conventional EBW as a large chamber and high performance vacuum pumps are not required.

More detailed information is available to TWI's Industrial Members:

Development of RF guns for high power EB welding

High voltage power supplies

Contact: electronbeam@twi.co.uk

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