Is it for me?

Electron Beam Welding (EBW) has been used as a fusion joining process in industrial applications for over 40 years. Ever since its first use in the nuclear and aerospace industry, it has been viewed as a 'specialist' process and the operators of EBW equipment have been regarded as specialists with skills being handed down by in-house training, usually perpetuating good, but in some cases, poor working practices.

This course aims to give the course candidate an understanding of the process and procedures needed for good welding practice, and to provide an up-date on current technologies.

What will I learn?

The course includes the following topics:

  • Terminology and definitions of EBW
  • Vacuum requirements, attainment and measurement, leak detection
  • High Voltage systems - generation and X-ray safety
  • Beam generation techniques, beam probing
  • Equipment requirements - description of key components - NC programming
  • Typical users - industries, materials, high power EB
  • Joint design - good and bad practice
  • Weld preparation - joint face machining, demagnetizing, cleaning, jigging, tacking, accuracy requirements
  • Effects of EB parameters
  • Defects - recognition and avoidance
  • Beam deflection
  • Advanced processing with EB

In addition to the above presentations, there will be practical laboratory sessions using TWI’s EB welding equipment. A short multiple choice assessment will be given towards the end of the course and a 'Certificate of Attendance' will be awarded to all course members.

What will I leave with?

  • To learn the basic operation and procedures to be followed to achieve high quality EB welds
  • To appreciate the effects of process parameters on weld profile and quality
  • To recognise defects and know which parameters or working practices to change in order to eliminate them
  • To have an understanding of advanced EB processing technologies and their use

What else should I know?

The course is an introduction for operators of EBW equipment and those who have responsibility for the development and inspection of EB welded components e.g. supervisors and project leaders. The course also provides an overview of new technologies for advanced EB processing. 

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