Electron Beam Melting is Hot

Custom Cranio-Maxillofacial implant

The Swedish Arcam AB, which produces 3D printers that use Electron Beam Melting, does not get much news coverage in the United States. However, the company's 2014 financial results show that it is one of the most interesting success stories in the 3D printing space.

Net sales for 2014 grew 70% over 2013 to $40* million while net income increased 57% to $6.8* million. The number of machines shipped grew from 25 to 35 and the order volume increased from 27 to 42. With five new orders in January, the Arcam is starting the year with a nice backlog.

Low Pressure Turbine blade in γ-titanium aluminide.

Courtesy of Avio Aero.

Arcam's machines use a powerful electron beam to selectively melt powdered metals, primarily Titanium and Cobalt. The most import applications are orthopedic implants and aerospace components.

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*Amounts converted from Swedish Kroner using Google Finance.

Titanium Aluminide in the News

3D Spinal Implant via 3DPrint.com

Titanium aluminide is not a material that is in the news every day. So when two news articles mention it in the same day, it is worth pointing out.

Titanium aluminide is an extremely strong and light material that is ideal for 3D printing aerospace components and orthopedic implants. These items are built up in layers by melting the metal powder using the Electron Beam Melting method perfected by Arcam AB.

The first article notes that the first 3D printed spinal vertebrae have been implanted in patients in China. This is a major medical breakthrough that can greatly help those suffering from spinal injuries or spinal degeneration.

In the second article, GE revealed that they will be using the alloy and Electron Beam Melting in the production of the turbine blades for their GEnx engine, used in Boeing’s Dreamliner and 747-8 aircraft.

These are fascinating stories and lead me to believe that we will be hearing a lot more about Arcam AB and titanium aluminide in the future.

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