Technologies
- Welding, Coating and Material Processing

Electron Beam Welding

TWI's expertise in electron beam (EB) welding and processing make it a world leader and ideal partner in the development of products and processes. We can help Members to achieve cost savings and meet their quality and performance requirements.

Our scientific and engineering expertise covers all disciplines related to the generation and use of electron beams. We offer complete and impartial support at every stage of the product and process life-cycle - from feasibility studies, assembly design, equipment specification and engineering through to specialist sub-contract welding, troubleshooting, consultancy and training.

TWI has a state-of-the-art range of electron beam processing equipment and unique quality assurance diagnostic tools which are in use in our laboratory and at customer sites around the world.

Applications in industry

EB techniques solve many industrial challenges due to their technical and economic benefits:

The power sector benefits from rapid, low-distortion welding of thick sections and reactive materials. Applications include turbines, nuclear plant and spent fuel canisters. Reduced pressure EB welding of large wind turbine assemblies will reduce costs and enhance capabilities.

Similarly, the oil, gas and construction industries rely on high-quality EB welding of pipeline steels, stainless steels, nickel and titanium alloys, which have applications in offshore pipe laying and well head structures. Applications in general engineering include bi-metallic combinations for cutting tools and low-distortion joining of complex machined components.
Aerospace and automotive customers benefit from high-integrity jointing of Al, Ni and Ti alloys for airframe, engine, turbocharger and gearbox components - from small, precise assemblies (~100µm) up to heavy sections (>250mm). EB welding also lends itself well to dissimilar material combinations. The process can be applied to high- or low-volume production cost effectively.
The medical sector benefits from safe and clean inert vacuum environments allowing predictable EB processing of joint prostheses and heart pacemaker encapsulations in reactive materials. Surfi-Sculpt® enhances coating adhesion and bonding.

TWI designs most of its own processing and diagnostic equipment, which matches or exceeds industry performance expectations.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.