6K Additive (New Cumberland, West Virginia, USA), a division of 6K Inc. and leader in the sustainable production of materials for additive manufacturing (AM) and metal alloys, and Metal Powder Works (MPW) (Clinton, Pennsylvania, USA), the leader in solid-state powder production, announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and strategic partnership to produce pure copper alloys. The announcement of this MOU, made at the Formnext conference, is expected to lead to strategically important powders such as copper/nickel and bronze alloy powders for AM.
The high-yield production achievable with both MPW’s DirectPowder process and 6K’s UniMelt microwave plasma ensures economic advantages, faster time to market, and sustainable production from both 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,” says 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 adds, “This partnership is a win for both 6K Additive and Metal Powder Works, but most importantly for our customers who are looking to utilize copper for a variety of applications such as heat skins, 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.”
Source: 6K Additive, www.6kinc.com.