Electron Beam Freeform Fabrication

Electron Beam Freeform Fabrication or EBF3 , is a process by which NASA hopes to build metal parts in zero gravity environments. The process was primarily developed and engineered by Karen Taminger, Material Research Engineer for NASA.

EBF3 is a layer-additive process that uses an electron beam and a solid wire feedstock to fabricate metallic structures. The process efficiencies of the electron beam and the feedstock make the EBF3 process attractive for in-space use. <ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EBF3</ref>

The process reduces waste and energy spent on production and generates what Taminger – who works in Advanced Materials and Processing Branch -- calls a "2 to 1 buy-to-fly ratio," rather than the more standard 12-to-1 or as much as a 20-to-1 ratio.<ref>http://www.nasa.gov/centers/langley/news/researchernews/rn_creativityandinnovation.html</ref>

More Information

• From nothing, something: one layer at a time
• Star Trek-like Replicator? Electron Beam Device Makes Metal Parts, One Layer At A Time

References

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