The combination of our EBeam Lab and EBeam Engine allows you to easily trial your product and to scale up your manufacturing process all on one site.
This capability is unique in the UK and was created at STFC Daresbury Laboratory specifically to align with industry needs.
Electron-beam (ebeam) processing or electron irradiation is a process which uses electrons, usually of a high energy, to modify materials for a variety of different uses. This may take place under elevated temperatures and in an inert nitrogen atmosphere.
Ebeam processing works as the electron beam breaks chemical bonds within materials leading to three potential outcomes:
- Leave the bond broken (e.g. sterilisation)
- Let it bond to itself (e.g. cross-linking of polymers, curing of inks)
- Let it bond to something else (e.g. grafting of biocompatible materials on membranes)
Our Ebeam Lab allows you to start exploring novel materials and processes.
With an electron beam energy of 80 keV to 200 keV and able to take samples up to A4 in size (216 mm × 297 mm x 50mm) our system is versatile to use for many applications.
Transport speeds of up to 30m/min and doses of up to 45 kGy in a single pass can be accommodated.
The EBeam Lab is fitted with a nitrogen inerting system which enabling research with oxygen sensitive chemistries.
Major applications includes material modification, such as cross-linking of polymers and surface sterilisation.
Replacing current thermal or ultra violet processing with electron beams could significantly reduce the need for toxic chemicals and energy consumption, supporting your sustainability goals.
EBeam Lab access is rapid and highly flexible. Users can come on site or send us samples to process.
EBeam Engine
A highly flexible electron beam system applicable to every stage of the innovation process, from proof of concept to production trials.
Our Ebeam Engine provides the bridge allowing you to translate your material discoveries to a production relevant environment.
Our EBeam Engine has an electron beam energy which can be varied between 80 keV and 200 keV and the beam width is 240 mm.
The use of an externally shielded enclosure uniquely enables the EBeam Engine to be configured with an extensive range of additional substrate processing equipment.
For clients wanting to use web or film based materials, such as those used in food packaging, printing and lamination, our Reel-to-Reel winding system offer speeds of up to 40m/min.
Our Reel-to-Reel system also incorporates a plasma treater and surface coater to provide a complete coating solution.
Our EBeam Engine is highly flexible to suit your needs. Our experts will be on hand to operate the facility and provide advice.
Get in touch
Find out how you can accelerate bringing your product to market.
Contact us for more information. Email Rachel James - rachel.james@stfc.ac.uk
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