#United States #Siemens Energy #6K Additive #Burgettstown #UniMelt

6K Additive Signs Long-Term Supply Agreement with Siemens Energy

In a game-changing move for the additive manufacturing (AM) sector, 6K Additive, based in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, has entered into a global, long-term supply agreement with Siemens Energy. This collaboration focuses on the sustainable reuse of spent nickel alloy powder derived from Siemens Energy's additive manufacturing operations. This initiative enables 6K Additive to incorporate this material into their proprietary UniMelt® microwave plasma production system, producing high-performance metal powders essential to modern manufacturing processes.

Siemens Energy will supply used nickel alloy powder, a valuable resource that would typically end up in low-value recycling streams. By redirecting these materials into the UniMelt process, 6K Additive demonstrates a commitment to enhancing material efficiency while reducing the overall environmental impact associated with metal powder production.

To date, the collaboration has already processed about 20 tons of nickel superalloy powder from Siemens Energy, introducing this high-quality feedstock into the broader additive manufacturing market. This partnership exemplifies how industrial waste can be effectively upcycled into premium-grade powders, contributing significantly to a more sustainable and resilient metal AM ecosystem.

Statement from Siemens Energy

Steve Sarcander, Head of Finance for Additive Manufacturing at Siemens Energy, emphasized the importance of sustainability in advanced manufacturing. According to Sarcander, the collaboration not only supports circular material flows but also aids in minimizing waste and emissions linked to the production of metal powders. Such partnerships are pivotal in fortifying the additive manufacturing value chain, highlighting the shared ethos of environmental responsibility between Siemens and 6K Additive.

Insights from 6K Additive’s CEO

Frank Roberts, CEO of 6K Additive, praised Siemens Energy as an exemplary industrial partner committed to enhancing circularity. He noted that the high-quality feedstock provided by Siemens allows 6K to produce premium nickel alloy powders through the UniMelt process. This process is designed not only to meet the rising demand for sustainable AM materials but also to achieve substantial reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions compared to traditional metal powder production methods.

The UniMelt microwave plasma platform stands out as the first production-scale system capable of converting certified-chemistry machined millings, turnings, and recycled feedstock into high-quality, AM-ready metal powders. It remains the only production-scale microwave plasma system globally, delivering a processing zone that is both uniform and contamination-free. Recent life-cycle assessments indicate that energy consumption and carbon emissions can be reduced by over 90% for nickel-based alloys when utilizing the UniMelt process instead of conventional methods.

Opportunities for Collaboration

As 6K Additive continues to innovate and expand its operations, they invite organizations seeking specialized powder requirements to explore potential collaborations. The goal is to cultivate a landscape of sustainable manufacturing practices that benefit not just the companies involved but also the planet. For more information and to discuss partnership opportunities, companies can visit 6K Additive's official website.

About 6K Additive: Founded in the United States, 6K Additive is a trusted manufacturer and supplier of premium metal powders used in the additive manufacturing space, utilizing sustainable sources. Their operations in Burgettstown highlight their dedication to crafting the highest quality metal powders that are spherical, devoid of porosity, and better economically than competing technologies. By employing the UniMelt® microwave plasma system, they boast one of the most extensive portfolios of metal powders, including Nickel, Titanium, Copper, and various refractory powders, sourced from eco-conscious feedstock. For further details, visit www.6KAdditive.com.