6K Additive introduces refractory metals for 3D printing

6K’s UniMelt process, based on high-frequency microwave plasma technology, is used to produce the company’s new refractory metals for additive manufacturing. 6K Additive

A new line of powdered metals for producing high-temperature, high-strength parts for the aerospace, defense, and medical industries has been introduced by 6K Additive, a division of 6K. The new refractory materials for additive manufacturing applications include tungsten, rhenium, tungsten/rhenium, and niobium.

The metals are made using 6K’s proprietary UniMelt microwave plasma process, which allows the manufacture of production-scale volumes.

In other company news: 6K Additive currently operates two UniMelt microwave plasma systems at its 45,000-sq.-ft. powder production facility in Burgettstown, Pa. Two additional systems are scheduled to be installed in Q4 of this year, and there also are plans to begin expanding the production building in 2021.