Abstract: A workpiece supply device for an electron beam processing device is provided that can reduce the cycle times for changing a workpiece using a multi-functional workpiece holding device.

Abstract: In an electron beam generator where the heating current for the cathode is transformed by an insulating transformer 7 disposed on the high-voltage insulator 4 of the beam head, the primary winding of this insulating transformer 7 being connected to ground potential, and where a single-pole high-voltage connection 2 and a single-pole high-voltage cable 2 connect the beam head 3 to a high-voltage generator 1, the high-voltage cable 2, at its terminal ends, has a protective resistor 10 corresponding to the surge impedance of the high-voltage cable 2 in order to reduce the damages to insulating and component parts.

Abstract: In the electron beam generator cooling is provided by the electrical conductors of the incandescent cathode and control electrode which are configured as heat bridges and connected to cooling plates in the interior of the high-voltage insulator which in turn are connected in a heat-conducting manner to a pot-shaped cooling body. The cooling body, configured as part of a capsule for accommodating circuitry for the control of the electron beam generator, is surrounded by a heat exchanger which is connected to a cooling circuit and is at ground potential, and is insulated from the cooling body by a wall of the high-voltage insulator.

Abstract: In the electron beam generator the cathode (3) the control electrode (4) and the anode (5) are provided with easily replaceable parts (12, 13, 14, 28, 29) so as to be able, by exchanging the parts, to optimize the electron beam generator in a simple manner for a selected power range within the working range of the electron beam gun.