6K Additive
6K Additive manufactures spherical metal powders for additive manufacturing using proprietary UniMelt microwave plasma technology applied to sustainable feedstocks, serving aerospace, defense, medical, energy, and space OEMs and government customers.
- Company typePublic
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersBurgettstown, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What 6K Additive does
6K Additive is a U.S. metal powder manufacturer that uses its proprietary UniMelt microwave plasma technology to produce spherical and angular metal powders from sustainable feedstocks, including revert material and scrap, for additive manufacturing applications. The company serves aerospace and defense as its primary vertical, with additional exposure to medical devices, energy, automotive, and space, offering a portfolio that includes nickel superalloys (Nickel 718, Nickel 625), titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V), stainless steel (SS316L), copper alloys, and refractory metals (tungsten, niobium C103, tantalum, rhenium, molybdenum), as well as alloy additions (titanium and zirconium compacts) and pre-melt ingots. Its business model is built on quote-based, multi-year enterprise contracts with aerospace primes (RTX, Honeywell), OEMs (TRUMPF, 3D Systems, EOS, Wayland Additive), and government customers (DLA, US Army DEVCOM, DoD), complemented by a global distributor network covering India, UK/Ireland, Turkey, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. The company monetizes through one-time powder sales and transaction-fee-based powder recycling services, with sustainability, domestic sourcing, and circular-economy positioning as core value propositions.
6K Additive is a publicly traded subsidiary of 6K Inc., listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under ticker 6KA following a December 2025 IPO that raised A$48 million at an A$267 million initial market capitalization. Headquartered in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, with manufacturing in West Virginia, R&D in California, and operations support in Missouri, the company is scaling production capacity fivefold from 200 to 1,000 metric tons annually through a $23.4 million Defense Production Act Title III grant, a $27.4 million EXIM loan, and IPO proceeds. It holds ITAR registration, ISO 9001:2015 certification, and EcoVadis sustainability certification, and is positioned by U.S. policy as a domestic source for critical minerals used in defense and aerospace supply chains.
6K Additive firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- 6K Additive
- Legal name
- 6K Additive, Inc.
- Website
- https://6kadditive.com
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- 6K Additive manufactures spherical metal powders for additive manufacturing using proprietary UniMelt microwave plasma technology applied to sustainable feedstocks, serving aerospace, defense, medical, energy, and space OEMs and government customers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
6K Additive industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Metal Powders for Additive Manufacturing
- NAICS
- Nonferrous Metal (except Aluminum) Smelting and Refining (331410)
- SIC
- Secondary Smelting & Refining Of Nonferrous Metals (3341)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Metal Powders (LPBF/DMLS/EBM) (IMAAABAE)
Keywords
Where 6K Additive is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Burgettstown
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
6K Additive business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Metal Powder Sales: Sale of spherical metal powders (nickel alloys, titanium alloys, tungsten) produced via UniMelt technology for additive manufacturing applications
- Alloy Additive Products: Specialty alloy additives for metal powder enhancement and modification
- Powder Recycling Services: Processing of customer manufacturing revert material into reusable spherical powder through closed-loop upcycling partnerships
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Quote-based enterprise pricing |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels4 records
6K Additive product offering
Product offeringCore offering
6K Additive manufactures high-performance spherical and angular metal powders for additive manufacturing using its proprietary UniMelt microwave plasma process. The portfolio covers nickel superalloys (Nickel 718, Nickel 625), titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V), stainless steel (SS316L), copper alloys, and refractory metals (tungsten, niobium C103, tantalum, rhenium, molybdenum). The company also produces alloy additions (titanium and zirconium compacts), pre-melt ingots, and operates a buyback/recycling program that converts customer manufacturing revert into production-ready spherical powder.
Product overview
6K Additive operates as a specialized metal powder manufacturer for additive manufacturing, offering a comprehensive portfolio of spherical and angular metal powders produced via the proprietary UniMelt microwave plasma process. The product portfolio encompasses nickel superalloys (Nickel 718, Nickel 625), titanium alloys (Titanium-64), stainless steel (SS316L), copper alloys, and refractory metals (Tungsten, Niobium C103, Tantalum, Rhenium, Molybdenum). Supporting product lines include Alloy Additions (titanium and zirconium compacts) and Pre-Melt Ingots. The UniMelt technology platform serves as the core production foundation enabling the company's powder product line.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Spherical Metal Powder High-performance spherical metal powders produced using the proprietary UniMelt microwave plasma process for additive manufacturing applications in aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial sectors. Portfolio spans nickel superalloys (Nickel 718, Nickel 625), titanium alloys (Titanium-64), stainless steel (SS316L), copper alloys, and refractory metals (Tungsten, Niobium C103, Tantalum, Rhenium, Molybdenum). Powders are made from sustainable domestic feedstocks including revert and scrap material.
- Angular Metal Powder Angular metal powder with the lowest residual content (including iron) in the industry, produced via an ultra-clean manufacturing process for industrial applications requiring specific powder morphology characteristics.
- Alloy Additions Titanium and zirconium compacts for alloying applications in additive manufacturing and specialty metal production. Fully sustainable with 100% recycled materials, offered at low cost relative to alternatives.
- Pre-Melt Ingots Pre-melted metal ingots produced using the UniMelt process for use as raw material in powder production and foundry applications, including critical applications such as hypersonics and military defense systems.
- Metal Powder Buyback and Recycling Program Closed-loop buyback and recycling service that converts customer manufacturing revert material and used powder into production-ready spherical powder for additive manufacturing, enabling circular supply chain partnerships.
Quantifiable outcome
- Production capacity expansion from 200 to 1,000 metric tons
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use 6K Additive
Customer profileNamed customers13 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
6K Additive technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
6K Additive partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- Siemens EnergycoreLong-term supply agreement for nickel alloy powder recycling. Siemens Energy supplies revert material which 6K Additive processes into production-ready spherical powder through its UniMelt technology.
- AGF DefcomcorePreferred supplier for metal powder for 3D printed suppressors with closed-loop upcycling. 6K Additive supplies powder while AGF Defcom provides manufacturing expertise for defense applications.
- Cumberland AdditivecoreLong-term supply agreement for Ni718 powder for aerospace applications. 6K Additive provides consistent high-quality nickel alloy powder from its manufacturing facilities.
- Surgical Metal RecyclingcorePartnership for circular sustainable supply chain for medical implants. Enables closed-loop recycling of medical device manufacturing materials.
- Z3DLabcorePartnership for manufacturing high-performance titanium powders for medical and aerospace applications. Joint development of specialty powder formulations.
- Wayland AdditivecoreQualification of tungsten powder for NeuBeam technology. 6K Additive supplies tungsten powder optimized for Wayland's electron beam additive manufacturing systems.
- 3D SystemscorePreferred supplier of tungsten powder for DMP (Direct Metal Printing) printers. 6K Additive provides specialized tungsten powder for 3D Systems' metal printing platforms.
- Agile Space IndustriescorePartnership for superalloy 3D printing for lunar propulsion components. Joint development of materials for space applications.
- Incodema3DcoreCustomer relationship for sustainable nickel 625 powders. Incodema3D utilizes 6K Additive's sustainable metal powders for aerospace manufacturing.
- EOScoreJoint project for sustainable additive manufacturing. Collaboration on developing sustainable powder production and usage practices for EOS systems.
- RTX CorporationflagshipPOSAM (Principles of Sustainable Additive Manufacturing) project for sustainable additive manufacturing in aerospace. Major strategic partnership for defense and aerospace applications.
- TRUMPFcoreQualified titanium powder for TruPrint systems. 6K Additive's titanium powders validated for use in TRUMPF's laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing systems.
- America MakescoreMultiple project partnerships through the additive manufacturing industry consortium. Collaborative R&D initiatives for advancing AM technology and standards.
- Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)flagshipGovernment partner for defense manufacturing supply chain. Strategic supplier status enabling participation in defense procurement programs.
- Department of War/DoDflagshipStrategic supplier designation for Department of Defense. Enables direct participation in defense manufacturing programs and contracts.
- US Army DEVCOMflagshipU.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command partnership for defense additive manufacturing research and development.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
6K Additive competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Carpenter Technology (Carpenter Additive): US-based specialty alloys producer with a Carpenter Additive division that produces titanium, nickel, and refractory metal powders for AM via atomization. Directly comparable to 6K as a premium metal powder supplier serving aerospace, defense, and medical OEMs with overlapping nickel and titanium SKUs.
- Sandvik (Sandvik Additive Manufacturing / Osprey): Sandvik's Osprey-brand metal powders cover nickel, titanium, stainless, and refractory alloys for AM, marketed through its additive manufacturing division. Closest large-scale peer to 6K in breadth of alloy portfolio and aerospace/industrial customer base.
- Höganäs AB: Privately held Swedish metal powder giant producing iron, stainless, and specialty alloy powders including for additive manufacturing under its Surface & AM concepts. Directly comparable to 6K as a high-volume, broad-portfolio metal powder manufacturer serving similar industrial end markets.
- AP&C (a 5N Plus company): AP&C produces premium titanium and reactive metal powders for AM and biomedical implants via plasma atomization, now owned by 5N Plus. Directly comparable to 6K in plasma-based titanium powder production and aerospace/medical customer overlap.
- Pyrogenesis Canada: Pyrogenesis offers plasma-based metal powder production (including titanium) and on-site DROSRU powder recovery for AM. Comparable to 6K as a plasma-process powder producer with overlap in titanium and refractory powders for aerospace/defense.
Emerging players
- Metalysis: UK-based Metalysis produces metal powders (titanium, tantalum) via a proprietary electrolytic process direct from oxide feedstocks. Comparable as an alternative low-cost, sustainable powder-production route to 6K's UniMelt plasma process.
- Velo3D: US maker of metal AM printers qualified on aerospace parts that consumes third-party metal powders. Comparable as a US-based AM ecosystem participant serving overlapping aerospace/defense primes, though as an equipment OEM rather than a powder producer.
Broad incumbents
- Kennametal: US tungsten carbide and hard metals leader that also produces metal powders and wear components. Comparable as a broad metallurgical incumbent with powder manufacturing capability and aerospace/industrial customer overlap (notably, 6K's CCO Nicholas Pflugh came from Kennametal).
- Oerlikon (Oerlikon Balzers / surface solutions): Swiss surface solutions and AM services group offering metal powders, coating equipment, and contract AM production. Comparable as a broader industrial materials and services incumbent with AM metal powder exposure.
- Element Solutions (Element Solutions / former Praxair ST): Specialty chemicals platform whose surface treatments business (originating from Praxair Surface Technologies) supplies thermal spray powders and AM powder feedstocks to aerospace and industrial customers. Adjacent comparable to 6K as a diversified industrial powders platform with aerospace exposure.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
6K Additive social profiles
Digital presence6K Additive compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
6K Additive financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
6K Additive leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
6K Additive subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
6K Additive funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
6K Additive M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about 6K Additive
What does 6K Additive do?
6K Additive manufactures high-performance spherical and angular metal powders for additive manufacturing using its proprietary UniMelt microwave plasma process. The portfolio covers nickel superalloys (Nickel 718, Nickel 625), titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V), stainless steel (SS316L), copper alloys, and refractory metals (tungsten, niobium C103, tantalum, rhenium, molybdenum). The company also produces alloy additions (titanium and zirconium compacts), pre-melt ingots, and operates a buyback/recycling program that converts customer manufacturing revert into production-ready spherical powder.
Is 6K Additive a public or private company?
6K Additive is a public company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was 6K Additive founded?
6K Additive was founded in 2015. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is 6K Additive based?
6K Additive is headquartered in Burgettstown, United States, in the North America region.
How does 6K Additive make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Metal Powder Sales are the primary driver. The others are alloy Additive Products and powder Recycling Services.
Who are 6K Additive's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Carpenter Technology (Carpenter Additive), Sandvik (Sandvik Additive Manufacturing / Osprey), Höganäs AB, AP&C (a 5N Plus company) and Pyrogenesis Canada. Emerging players are Metalysis and Velo3D. Broad incumbents are Kennametal, Oerlikon (Oerlikon Balzers / surface solutions) and Element Solutions (Element Solutions / former Praxair ST).
Does 6K Additive have an API?
No public API is recorded for 6K Additive.
What industry is 6K Additive in?
6K Additive's product category is Metal Powders for Additive Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAAABAE, Metal Powders (LPBF/DMLS/EBM). Its NAICS code is 331410 and its SIC code is 3341.