Germany-based Siemens Energy, an energy technology company, recently signed a global long‑term supply agreement to supply Burgettstown-based 6K Additive, a metal powders manufacturer and supplier, with spent nickel alloy powder. 6K Additive will use the power as feedstock for its UniMelt microwave plasma production system.
The UniMelt microwave plasma platform converts certified‑chemistry machined millings, turnings and recycled feedstock into metal additive manufacturing‑ready metal powder. It is the first production‑scale system capable of this process and offers a uniform, contamination‑free processing zone.
“At Siemens Energy, sustainability and responsible resource use are integral to how we approach advanced manufacturing,” Steve Sarcander, Siemens Energy Additive Manufacturing head of finance, said. “By supplying our revert material into 6K Additive’s production process, we are supporting circular material flows while helping to reduce waste and emissions associated with metal powder production. Partnerships like this play an important role in strengthening the overall additive manufacturing value chain.”
The agreement enables the reuse of nickel‑based superalloy revert material that otherwise would remain in low‑value recycling streams. 6K Additive’s UniMelt process can reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions for nickel‑based alloys by more than 90 percent, according to a recent life‑cycle assessment study, compared to conventional powder production methods.