Arcam AB fka AMAVF

[Nobahamas]

EBM & flying parts
When we take a realistic look on the possibilities for EBM in aviation, we first have to consider what the specific qualities are for EBM, and then relate them to the qualities of competitive production systems.
The competitor is Laser sintering in aviation (EOS) and Selected laser Melting.
For what I have read the advancements and disadvancements of EBM compared to the other systems are:

Advancements:
Speed (fabrication)
Speed (no treatment needed after fabrication)
Less internal stress in the product
Costs in powder
Costs total process

Disadvancements:
Accuracy

My expectations:
By one or more companies LPT1 blades will be printed by EBM, the blades for higher compression parts need a more accurate production system.
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/paris-avio-building-new-technology-layer-by-layer-413712/
http://www.theengineer.co.uk/aerospace-takes-to-additive-manufacturing/

“So, generally speaking with small intricate parts with internal channels, I would probably want to use a laser powder bed (machine), but if I’m making a bracket or other small structural part I would want to use electron beam melting because it builds faster, the powder is cheaper, and there is less residual stress,” he added.
When it comes to building structural aircraft components using additive manufacturing, much of the focus to date has centred on making titanium parts as a direct replacement for conventionally  produced ones, according to Sharman.”

So LPT1 blades are qualified for EBM, and what else?
In many articles I have read that engine brackets are printed with EBM.
Printed at 25% lower costs than conventional production, quicker, lighter, and enviromentaly cleaner.
Most companies are working on flight certification of the produced parts.
Besides engine brackets there are several more construction parts in airplanes that are suitable for EBM production.

For airplanes:
I believe, measured in weight. in several years the total amount of parts printed with EBM will exceed the total of the engines.
http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2015-06-11/gkn-uses-material-tech-help-oems
http://www.materialsforengineering.co.uk/engineering-materials-features/the-long-road-to-qualification/86548/

Airplanes, one small sector.
There are many, many other sectors where EBM can print “history”
think of:
All that can fly... (helicopters, drones, missiles), heavy machinery, cranes, pumps, bridges etc.