Siemens Energy will supply spent nickel alloy powder from its additive manufacturing facilities to be recycled by 6K Additive using the company’s proprietary UniMelt microwave plasma production system.
6K Additive converts the leftover super alloy powder feedstock into virgin, additive‑manufacturing‑ready metal powder using its advanced UniMelt process, supporting material efficiency and reduced environmental impact across the AM supply chain.
This agreement enables the productive reuse of nickel‑based superalloy that would otherwise remain in low‑value recycling streams.
To date, 6K Additive has processed close to 20 tons of nickel superalloy powder originating from Siemens Energy, with the resulting material supplied into the broader additive manufacturing market. The collaboration demonstrates how industrial revert materials can be effectively upcycled into high‑quality powders, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable metal AM ecosystem.
“At Siemens Energy, sustainability and responsible resource use are integral to how we approach advanced manufacturing,” said Steve Sarcander, head of finance, Additive Manufacturing of Siemens Energy. “By supplying our revert material into 6K Additive’s production process, we are supporting circular material flows while helping to reduce waste and emissions associated with metal powder production. Partnerships like this play an important role in strengthening the overall additive manufacturing value chain.”
6K Additive CEO Frank Roberts, added, “Siemens Energy is a strong example of an industrial partner committed to advancing circularity. Their consistent and high‑quality feedstock enables us to produce premium nickel alloy powders using our UniMelt process, delivering meaningful reductions in energy use and carbon emissions while supporting the growing demand for sustainable AM materials.”
6K Additive’s UniMelt microwave plasma platform is the first production‑scale system capable of converting certified‑chemistry machined millings, turnings, and recycled feedstock into premium, AM‑ready metal powder.
