The brief

Analyst view

• EBAM deposits metal 10× faster than powder-based AM at 7–20 lb/hr, with build volumes to 19 ft × 4 ft × 4 ft for structural parts.
• DoD contract for F-35 titanium components since 2011; a single part saves $100M over the aircraft's life.
• Lockheed Martin Space awarded a production system in May 2026; NX Atomics partnership for small modular reactor components.

Technical approach

As reported

Deposition

Wire melted by electron beam

An electron beam melts metal wire in vacuum. Wire feeds continuously; the computer-controlled beam position builds parts layer by layer with minimal waste.

Speed

High deposition rate

EBAM deposits 7–20 pounds per hour depending on material and geometry, roughly 10 times faster than competing methods like powder-based additive manufacturing.

Scale

Very large parts

Build envelope to 19 ft × 4 ft × 4 ft enables single-part production of structural components that would otherwise require welding or forging.

Control

Closed-loop feedback

Real-time sensors monitor melt-pool size, voltage and current. Software adjusts beam position to hold parameters constant.

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