EOS and 6K Additive win $2.1M America Makes grant for sustainable Additive Manufacturing project
January 21, 2025

6K Additive, a division of 6K, based in North Andover, Massachusetts, USA, reports it has been selected, along with project lead EOS GmbH, headquartered in Krailling, Germany, for the America Makes sustainability and environmental benefits project for Additive Manufacturing. Other organisations included in this project are Texas A&M University, 3Degrees, Wichita State University and the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR). The proposal directly addresses the sustainable production of aerospace and defence products via Additive Manufacturing.
The project call, awarded through the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering’s (OSD(R&E)) Manufacturing Technology Office, totals $2.1M in funding. EOS and 6K Additive have been awarded under ‘Topic 6’ which will utilise a portion of the $2.1M funding. Topic 6’s primary objectives are to develop and demonstrate sustainable AM practices and products through design, material selection and development, material handling, and/or recycling.
“When it became time to decide on a material development partner for this project, 6K Additive was quickly identified as a frontrunner,” stated Jon Walker, government relations & key account manager, EOS. “Their expertise in the field of sustainable materials and proven track record supporting grant projects in the DoD community made them the clear choice for partnership.”
6K Additive will support the project with its titanium powder, manufactured using next-generation UniMelt microwave plasma reactors designed and patented by 6K. As evidenced by Foresight Management’s Life Cycle Assessment, 6K Additive’s titanium powder uses over 73% less energy than conventional methods and produces 78% less carbon emissions.
“We are truly excited to be selected again by America Makes and equally excited to be working hand in hand with EOS and the other team members on this project,” said Frank Roberts, president of 6K Additive. “EOS and 6K Additive share the same dedication and responsibility towards sustainability in Additive Manufacturing and this project provides yet another proof point that our powder is the best in the industry when it comes to overall environmental benefits.”