Lufthansa has estimated a savings of DM 10 million on the repair of its aircraft fan blades alone, using electron beam welding. Electron beam welding is used especially for the particularly critical parts which need the highest dimensional accuracy. EB welding has the best weld joint width-to-depth ratio. Very little energy from the ultrafine beam strays into the workpiece, giving negligible distortion and shrinkage and the minimal need for secondary machining. EB welding applies to a wide range of engine parts and engine materials.