GE is looking for partners to license its Blue Arc technology, a next generation cutting tool using a high-velocity beam of electrons to cut through virtually any metal including advanced materials like super-strong alloys used by the aviation or oil & gas industry – at least 15 times faster than current techniques.
The problem with machining very strong, very hard materials is that you need a machine head thats made of something stronger and harder. Thats why for some time, the machining industry has oriented towards laser and high pressure water cutters instead. Blue Arc not only does the job a lot faster, it also creates better quality parts.
Because the electrons erode material, it does not generate a lot of heat like laser cutters so material deformation is kept to a minimum. Turbines or compressor blades machined with Blue Arc have a smaller stress. The factory floor footprint is also smaller, as the machine generates less waste, dust and other contaminants.