← Tooling →
Designed for precision, repeatability, throughput and optimized for electron beam welding.
It is no different with electron beam welding – any task requires the right tools for a job well done. Tooling is designed to maximize the size and number of parts that fit into the smallest possible chamber size to increase process efficiency and productivity. Tooling for workpiece manipulation ranges from precision external rotators to internal rotangles, big-mouths, multi-station carousels, XY-tables, Z-stages all the way to shuttling systems and workpiece holders.
ROTATORS
Designed to fit on the side of the vacuum chamber for workpiece rotation. Standard shaft diameter is 1” (25.4 mm). Depending on the vacuum chamber design, rotators can be mounted for horizontal and vertical part rotation.
ROTANGLE
Rotangles are devices that rotate parts not just in the horizontal and vertical axis but in any angle in between. Angle adjustment can be manual and motorized.
Rotangles are available in different formfactors to accommodate part and weld requirements and space availability inside the chamber. Rotangles have through holes to simplify positioning parts under the electron beam.
X-Y TABLES
Available for various vacuum chamber sizes and weight requirements.
Worktables are compact, lightweight, and rigidly constructed to give repeatable results over long periods of time. The standard configuration uses stepper motors for compactness, reliability, wide speed range, and good torque characteristics at low speeds. The table is high vacuum compatible, and guards protect the lead screws, motors, limit switches and wiring from weld spatter.
Z STAGE
Manually operated laboratory jack-stand tables are often used in smaller vacuum chambers to position components higher up in the chamber to reduce the work distance.
Our Z stages are motorized and built for larger vacuum chambers and heavy loads. The stages mount to an XY table and have a platform to position large rotangles.
CAROUSEL
Multi-Station Carousels with various numbers of spindles
Made to boost productivity. Carousels can be built for various chamber sizes to optimize the number of parts that can be welded in one cycle.
The displayed 10-station carousel can be installed for horizontal and vertical part placement. Each spindle is fitted with a precision ER-25 collet shank. Maximal part diameter is 2” if every station is populated.
Hold parts with greatest flexibility. ER-25 collets come in sizes ranging from 0.015 to 0.629” (~ 4 to 16mm) diameter. Load parts directly into the collets or mount a miniature 3-jaw chuck for part holding or use custom workpiece holders for easiest and fastest operation.
An optional sliding tray facilitates quick and easy part loading and unloading. The detachable tailstock with spring loaded centers can slide to adjust the tailstock pressure. Bearings, belts, pulleys, and wiring are concealed for protection from weld splatter.
Stepper motors with micro-stepping drivers are used for spindle rotation and accurate and repeatable indexing. An optional homing position is suitable for automatic “weld-index-weld” operation.
BIG MOUTH
The Big Mouth comes in various sizes to accommodate a wide range of diameters for tubular components.
Designed with a two or three soft jaw chuck system for rotating long tubular parts, flanges, and rod ends. The through hole in the chuck is slightly larger than the max. part diameter which allows for perfect part positioning underneath the beam even in small spaces.
Rollers to support long and heavy parts are optional as are chamber extensions tubes.
The jaws of the displayed x24 Big Mouth open from approx. 0.5″ all the way to 4″. The slim design optimizes chamber space. Convenient and fast part loading and unloading. Parts can be positioned in any angle from 0 to 90 degrees.
PNEUMATIC TAILSTOCK
This tailstock is designed to fit on the side of the vacuum chamber on an electron beam welder opposite a rotator to hold parts between centers under pressure. The clamping force and the speed are adjustable and permits assemblies to be held together without the need for tack welding and special tooling. The 1″ shaft of the tailstock is fitted with a live center, which can be removed to accommodate any special work holders.
The tailstock is operated via foot switch, which enables the operator to use both hands for loading and unloading parts.
WIRE FEEDER
This compact and vacuum-optimized wire feeder is designed for reliable operation inside electron beam welding chambers.
It features precision wire delivery for standard wire diameters ranging from 0.023 in (0.58 mm) to 0.065 in (1.65 mm), with interchangeable drive rollers available for wire sizes outside this range. The standard 12-inch spool capacity allows for extended run time while maintaining a small footprint within the chamber. Interchangeable and replaceable nozzle tips enable fast setup changes and simplified maintenance. The integrated 3-axis tip travel provides fine wire positioning.
Key Features
- Compact, in-chamber design optimized for high vacuum
- Standard wire sizes: 0.023–0.065 in (0.58–1.65 mm)
- Interchangeable drive rollers for additional wire diameters
- Replaceable / interchangeable nozzle tips
- Maximum spool size: 12 in
- 3-axis wire tip positioning +/- 1 in per axis
MATERIAL HANDLING/TRANSFER STATION
Our Material Handling / Transfer Station is engineered for reliable, repeatable movement of heavy tooling. Built on a rugged steel frame, the system provides exceptional stiffness and long-term durability while maintaining smooth, controlled motion.
A precision guide-rail transfer mechanism ensures accurate alignment during loading and unloading operations. The station is easily maneuverable yet features a secure position-locking system that maintains exact placement once aligned. Optional upgrades include a motorized pull-push drive for automated transfer and an integrated control console for streamlined operation and system integration.
Key Features
- Rugged welded steel frame construction
- Precision guide-rail transfer system for accurate alignment
- Smooth maneuverability with positive position locking
- Payload capacity up to 500 kg (combined weight of tooling, parts and accessories)
- Modular design with automation-ready upgrade options
