US-based
6K Additive, a division of 6K Inc that specialises in the sustainable production of materials for additive manufacturing (AM) and metal alloys, has acquired
Global Metal Powders (GMP), bringing ‘additional proprietary manufacturing and recycling capabilities’ used in preparing material before the UniMelt spheroidising process. 6K Additive says that in combination with the recently announced doubling of manufacturing capacity, the acquisition solidifies its position as a leading company in the sustainable production of titanium and refractory metal powders.
Using GMP’s proprietary technology, 6K Additive will manufacture customised powders from a variety of revert streams (scrap metal and used powder) from many metal alloys including, titanium, chromium, molybdenum, niobium, tantalum, and tungsten. GMP’s manufacturing plant is based in New Castle, Pennsylvania, and 6K Additive will continue manufacturing processes at this facility.
Frank Roberts, 6K Additive’s president, said: “As the market for sustainably produced powder continues to grow, 6K Additive is the only company equipped to meet the manufacturing volumes demanded by customers for sustainably produced powder, specifically titanium and refractory metals. Adding the operational capability and capacity that GMP brings to our organisation allows us to not only keep pace with the high demand we are seeing for our powders but also further close the recycling loop, which leads to a lower overall part cost for our customers.”
Henry Brougham, GMP’s founder and principal, added: “We are excited to be part of the 6K Additive team and look forward to helping expand their market-leading organisation with our proprietary technology. Combining both organisations’ years of experience and knowledge, we will propel the company’s processing and feedstock preparation to new heights. When you add our expertise in the refractory market, we are confident GMP will enhance 6K Additive’s leadership position within this rapidly growing market.”
6K Additive says its proprietary UniMelt system is the world’s only microwave production-scale plasma system that offers a highly uniform and precise plasma zone, zero contamination, and high throughput production capabilities. Last year, the company released results from an LCA study (life-cycle assessment) comparing the environmental impact of 6K’s UniMelt microwave plasma technology to current atomisation technologies to produce metal powders. The results showed reductions of 90% in energy usage and carbon emissions for its nickel-based alloys and a 75% reduction for its titanium alloys.