6K Additive, a division of 6K, a producer of engineered materials for additive manufacturing (AM) and lithium-ion batteries produced from its UniMelt plasma technology, has announced plans to significantly increase production capacity for AM powders. The plan includes 20,000 sq. ft. of additional powder production capacity with four new UniMelt microwave plasma systems, as well as the addition of a 15,000 sq. ft. material feedstock preparation building.
"Over the last 12 months, 6K Additive has seen rapid growth in demand for its nickel, titanium and refractory powders, and this capacity increase will help the company meet their customers' needs for the coming 12-36 months," said a company spokesperson.
"Global unrest has shed a major spotlight on our nation's supply chain vulnerability for critical materials," said 6K Additive President Frank Roberts. "This, in combination with our consistent product quality, sustainability benefits and the fact that we are a domestic supplier, have contributed to increased commercial activity with key strategic customers. This expansion will help us meet customer demands in the coming years and ensure efficiencies in current and future operations."
Adding the feedstock preparation facility to the Burgettstown, PA, 45-acre campus, provides 6K Additive with vertical integration of feedstock sizing for nickel and titanium in the same location. This will help to streamline operations, provide faster delivery and ultimate control and quality of the powder produced. The Burgettstown plant currently produces a full range of powders, including nickel 718 and 625, titanium-64, stainless steel and copper, as well as capabilities to produce aluminum alloys. 6K Additive also runs two dedicated UniMelt production systems co-located in the company's parent headquarters in North Andover, MA, producing tungsten, rhenium and niobium-based alloys for hypersonic, defense and rocket applications.
Eric Martin, COO for 6K Additive, commented, "The ability to meet the demands of our customers in both quality and delivery is paramount for our organization. The addition of a feedstock preparation facility and the added UniMelt production capacity will help to create a consistent operational flow to meet this demand. However, I am equally excited to be able to bring on more talent to the organization with as many as 35 additional employees planned. It is great for our organization as well as the tri-state area."
For more information contact:
6K Additive
25 Commerce Way
North Andover, MA 01845
978-258-1645
www.6kinc.com