Selecting the appropriate manufacturing technology depends on the material, component geometry, required penetration or deposition rate, thermal sensitivity, production volume and quality requirements. Vacuum conditions, accessibility of the processing zone and the required level of automation also play an important role in defining the optimum process and machine configuration.

Electron beam technology provides very high energy density and precise beam control in vacuum, making it particularly suitable for deep-penetration welding, processing of reactive and refractory materials, and applications requiring a narrow heat-affected zone. Laser-based processes offer different advantages in terms of beam delivery, system integration and production flexibility. Operating a laser under reduced pressure can additionally modify the interaction between the beam, metal vapour and weld pool, enabling process characteristics that differ significantly from conventional atmospheric laser welding.

For additive manufacturing and surface processing, the choice between wire- and powder-based processes depends on factors such as deposition rate, geometrical resolution, material efficiency and component size. Evobeam combines these process technologies with vacuum engineering, beam control, component manipulation and automation to develop manufacturing solutions around the specific application.