Height Control and Deposition Measurement for the Electron Beam Free Form Fabrication (EBF3) Process

摘要

A method of controlling a height of an electron beam gun and wire feeder during an electron freeform fabrication process includes utilizing a camera to generate an image of the molten pool of material. The image generated by the camera is utilized to determine a measured height of the electron beam gun relative to the surface of the molten pool. The method further includes ensuring that the measured height is within the range of acceptable heights of the electron beam gun relative to the surface of the molten pool. The present invention also provides for measuring a height of a solid metal deposit formed upon cooling of a molten pool. The height of a single point can be measured, or a plurality of points can be measured to provide 2D or 3D surface height measurements.

主权项

1. A method of controlling a height of an electron beam gun and wire feeder during deposition of layers of molten matter onto a substrate, the method comprising:
providing a substrate; providing a wire source; positioning an electron beam gun and wire source in the vicinity of the substrate; forming a molten pool of material on a substrate by melting wire utilizing the electron beam gun, the molten pool having a surface defining an actual height relative to the electron beam gun; utilizing a camera to generate an image of at least a portion of the molten pool of material; determining a range of acceptable actual heights of the electron beam gun relative to the surface of the molten pool; utilizing the image to determine a measured height of the electron beam gun relative to the surface of the molten pool; ensuring that the measured height is within the range of acceptable heights of the electron beam gun relative to the surface of the molten pool.