3D Systems has concluded a contract with 6K Additive for the supply of tungsten powder for metal 3D printers. 6K’s UniMelt plasma technology allows for a more sustainable metal powder production method for 3D printing technology, enabling virtually any metal scrap to be turned into a consumable. Materials offered by 6K currently include Ni718, Ni625, 316/17-4 stainless steel, 18150 copper, GRCOP, and refractory powders such as tungsten, tantalum, rhenium, niobium and molybdenum, and very low oxygen titanium 64.
With sustainability in mind, last year 6K contracted Foresight Management to conduct a life cycle assessment of titanium and nickel powders. This study was conducted to quantify the environmental impact associated with the production of metal powders for 3D printing, specifically to compare atomization technology methods with 6K additives. For Ti64, 6K’s UniMelt process was found to deliver at least a 74% reduction in energy consumption and a 78% reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional processes. The company also announced a partnership with Fraunhofer ILT for the next Full Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Ni78 powder produced by 6K Additive for an industrial component produced additively by laser powder fusion.
In 2022, 6K Additive also announced plans to double its powder production capacity with four new UniMelt microwave plasma systems and a commercial expansion in Europe.
As for the cooperation with 3D Systems, the agreement provides their customers with a high-quality material that will meet the high requirements of tungsten powder, where high temperature and high strength are required. The material will be used in sectors such as medicine, defence, production of hypersonic rockets and other parts thereof.
Source: 6K Additive press materials