6K Additive and Metal Powder Works (MPW) have announced an MOU and strategic partnership to produce pure copper and copper alloys, leading to strategically important powders such as copper/nickel and bronze alloy powders for additive manufacturing (AM). The high yield production achievable with MPW's DirectPowder Process and 6K Additive's UniMelt microwave plasma offers economic advantages, faster time to market and sustainable production from feedstock creation and the production of these materials.
"The market for copper is eager for a scalable solution that can not only deliver high-quality material, but one that can bring simplicity to the supply chain with a very sustainable process," said Frank Roberts, President of 6K Additive. "The synergies between our two organizations ensure customers can source their material sustainably, reliably and with the quality that meets their stringent specifications."
MPW CEO and Founder John Barnes added, "This partnership is a win for both 6K Additive and MPW, but most importantly for our customers who are looking to utilize copper for a variety of applications such as heat sinks, battery components, particularly for the rapidly growing EV market, and critical parts for the marine industry. This alliance with 6K Additive opens up MPW's technology to provide more materials to the AM market."
MPW's DirectPowder process can produce powders tailored to the manufacturing process through its patented process that provides consistent powder size and shape. Its current powder portfolio includes high-strength aluminum and highly conductive copper powders, and new alloys are actively in development through the newly launched MPW Developer Network.
6K Additive is a producer of AM powder made from sustainable sources and offers a full suite of premium powder, including nickel, titanium, copper, stainless steel, aluminum alloys and refractory metals such as tungsten, niobium and rhenium. The proprietary UniMelt system is a microwave production-scale plasma system with a uniform and precise plasma zone, zero contamination and high throughput production capabilities.
For more information contact:
6K Additive
25 Commerce Way
North Andover, MA 01845
978-258-1645
www.6kinc.com
Metal Powder Works
1300 Clinton Rd., Ste. 200
Clinton, PA 15026
www.metalpowderworks.com