6K Additive has commissioned two new commercial UniMelt Microwave Plasma systems, each capable of delivering 100 tons per year of metal additive manufacturing powders.
6K has earmarked the new UniMelt systems for the production of nickel super alloys and titanium powders, and will base them in its new 40,000 square foot state-of-the-art manufacturing plant located on the outskirts of Pittsburgh, USA.
As we’ve previously covered, the UniMelt system is capable of high throughput production of advanced materials including Onyx In718 and Onyx Ti64 AM powders.
6K’s UniMelt technology can also spheroidise ferrous alloys like SS17-4PH, SS316, other nickel superalloys including Inconel 625, HX, cobalt-base alloys like CoCr, refractory metals like Mo, W, Re, reactive alloys such as Ti-6-4, TiAl, Al alloys as well as high-temperature ceramics such as MY and YSZ.
More so, it can produce these by recycling certified machined millings, turnings and other recycled feedstock sources into premium AM-ready metal powders.
6K recently became a member of MESA’s association for sustainable manufacturing and is going through the process of certification as a sustainable manufacturing factory for the new plant.
“Customers and strategic partners have been eager to sample and use our Onyx powders and we’re ready to deliver,” said 6K Additive president Frank Roberts.
“Accompanying the new UniMelt systems, the new facility encompasses automated manufacturing equipment and industry leading safety and health systems that confirm our organisation is hitting our production goals while ensuring the utmost in safety for our employees.”
The new facility has additional manufacturing bays, with 6K Additive planning to commission additional UniMelt systems throughout 2021 to meet the demand for its premium AM powders.
Read more about 6K Additive’s plans for premium metals powders here.
