The latest open-source electron-beam metal 3D printer, QbeamLab, was released at the Tianjin High-end Equipment Research Institute of Tsinghua University. Professor Lin Feng of Tsinghua University, chief scientist of QuickBeam, He Yongyong, executive vice president of the institute, Fu Sheng of the Dongli Science and Technology Commission, and Li Fangzheng of the national additive-manufacturing alliance attended the launch.
Electron-beam selective melting (EBSM) uses an electron beam in high vacuum to melt metal powder layer by layer. High beam power and high energy absorption give dense parts, low oxygen, low thermal stress, less cracking, lower powder cost and high speed. The process is especially useful for refractory metals, including orthopedic implants and aerospace parts. Device companies including AK Medical have used EBSM for hip and spinal implants and obtained FDA and CFDA registration. GE uses EBSM to produce titanium-aluminide low-pressure turbine blades at a cost close to precision casting, about 30% lighter, and intends to replace cast blades in its latest engines.
QbeamLab was released by Tianjin Qingyan QuickBeam Technology, a company incubated at the institute. It features in-house core software and key components, modular customization, open process parameters, self-diagnosis and recovery, and long-term stability.
For a long time, most EBSM research used imported equipment. In 2004 a team led by Professor Lin Feng began work on EBSM, built China's first experimental system, EBSM-150, and received an invention patent. In 2015 the results were commercialized as QuickBeam, which raised tens of millions of yuan. After years of development the company launched the open-source QbeamLab.
QbeamLab received four orders in 2017, including CSIC and Tianjin Vocational Institute, and an export order from a well-known overseas company in its first year. Shaanxi Hengtong Intelligent Machines and Hunan Yishu Intelligent Manufacturing signed contracts at the launch.
