electron-beam machining

Electron-beam machining (EBM) is a nonconventional machining method that uses a beam of high-velocity electrons in a vacuum chamber to vaporize material from a workpiece. This process is effective for cutting very fine holes and slots in any material, with applications in the semiconductor industry for high-resolution lithography and the manufacture of integrated circuits.1

EBM works by converting the kinetic energy of electrons into heat upon impact, which then vaporizes small amounts of the material. The vacuum environment is crucial to prevent electron scattering. This technique can create holes as small as 0.001 inch in diameter and slots as narrow as 0.001 inch in materials up to 0.250 inch thick. Electron beams are also utilized for welding, particularly in aircraft engine component manufacturing.1