Future Focus Field: Strengthen Cathode Development for Metal 3D Printers Product Development for Metal 3D Printers

Expected Use (About the Market)

The global market for 3D printing materials is expected to grow rapidly in the following industries. The global market for metal-based 3D printing reached $520.2 million in 2016 and $1,534.9 million in 2021. CAGR is expected to be 25.04%.

Comparison of Electron Beam Melting and Selective Laser Melting (SLM)

EBM, which uses an electron source made by APTech, is characterized by its higher forming speed and higher output than SLM, so that it can be used for high melting point metals.
EBM printing is conducted in a vacuum, and it is said to be suitable for printing oxygen sensitive materials such as Ti and Cu.
EBM currently accounts for about 10% of the total metal 3D printing market, but demand for equipment is expected to grow in proportion to the growing demand for medical implants using Ti and other materials and for high melting point metal processing.

We will strengthen the development and sales of electron sources in view of the development of the metal 3D printer market.

Benefits of Using APTech's Electron Source in Metal 3D Printers

The power input to the material is important for the printing speed. In other words, increasing the electron beam current is the key.
To gain larger current, it requires to have larger diameter of electron source that can withstand higher output.
APTech can enlarge the diameter of the electron source based on the user's request.

To increase the printing density, it is necessary to reduce the beam spot diameter at high current density.
APTech can manufacture high-brightness electron sources with smaller source diameters.

Diameter of single crystals related to printing speed and printing density can be customized based on customer specifications.