6K Additive awarded $23.4M US DoD grant to expand critical metal upcycling
December 11, 2023
6K Additive, a division of 6K Inc based in Andover, Massachusetts, USA, has announced the initiation of a $50 million investment programme which will expand its current capacity and metal processing capabilities. The programme is supported by a $23.4 million grant awarded through the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Industrial Base Policy, through its Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritisation (MCEIP) directorate.
The agreement, entered into under Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III authorities, will help 6K Additive increase capabilities to upcycle high-grade metals – including titanium, nickel and refractory metals – used in alloys for aircraft structural components, turbine engine blades, rocket engines, radar systems, and many other critical defence applications. In addition to doubling capacity, the programme will enable expansion in scrap sort, segregate, and processing, as well as the production of powder and remelt ingot to increase capability of domestics mill product capacity. The investment will support 6K Additive’s core efforts in facility renovation, talent acquisition, equipment installation, and engineering.
6K’s proprietary upscaling processes leverage abundant domestic sources of metal feedstock to include end-of-life components, machine-shop swarf, and scrap from manufacturing processes such as casting and forging. With MCEIP’s help, 6K expects to expand its capabilities and achieve full rate production at their Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, facility by the end of 2026.
“Our country’s national security relies heavily on materials used across numerous applications and controlling the supply chain from within the borders of the United States is paramount,” stated Frank Roberts, president of 6K Additive commented. “We are excited to announce this important expansion program which enhances our capabilities to support our defence and commercial customer base.
“The $23.4 million award from the DoD is a testament to the capabilities of 6K Additive for upcycling the most critical metals and alloys,” Roberts continued. “No other organisation has the history, experience, infrastructure or potential 6K Additive has in upcycling materials like titanium, nickel superalloys and refractory metals. We’re honoured to be selected for the award and recognise the trust the DoD has placed in our organisation.”
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