Electron Beam Freeform Fabrication

Electron Beam Freeform Fabrication (EBF3) is a process by which NASA hopes to build metal parts in zero gravity environments. The process was primarily developed and engineered by Karen Taminger, Material Research Engineer for NASA. EBF3 is a layer-additive process that uses an electron beam and a solid wire feedstock to fabricate metallic structures. The process efficiencies of the electron beam and the feedstock make the EBF3 process attractive for in-space use.