Exploring the Future of Additive Manufacturing with 6K Additive

Friday, 30 August 2024, 01:00

Future advancements in additive manufacturing are underway as America Makes has selected 6K Additive for the PADAM project. The collaboration aims to enhance cost-efficiency and performance of Nb C-103 powder feedstock through innovative techniques. This initiative, supported by significant funding, promises to reshape aerospace and defense technologies.
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Exploring the Future of Additive Manufacturing with 6K Additive

Future Implications for Aerospace with the PADAM Project

6K Additive, a division of 6K, has been chosen by America Makes, the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, to take part in its Powder Alloy Development of Additive Manufacturing (PADAM) project.

Project Overview

This endeavor is part of a $6 million project funded by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), focusing on enhancing the cost-efficiency and performance of Nb C-103 powder feedstock. 6K Additive will be collaborating with Castheon, the project lead.

  • Project Goal: Improve material availability and decrease costs by expanding the supply base.
  • Innovative Methodologies: Utilize laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB) and directed energy deposition (DED) methods.

C-103 is a niobium alloy critical for high-temperature applications, previously utilized successfully in space-flight scenarios. Identified opportunities for MRL maturation will significantly enhance productivity and affordability.

Enhanced Material Production

  1. The project aims to qualify an extended particle size distribution (PSD).
  2. Using PBF-LB and DED together maximizes efficiency in using powdered materials.

The selected final materials will undergo rigorous testing at NASA Glenn Research Center and NSL Analytical, with Lockheed Martin and Firefly Aerospace facilitating production transition.

Frank Roberts, President of 6K Additive, emphasized, “We are very excited to be working alongside Castheon, leading defense primes, and other powder manufacturers to advance C-103 use in additive manufacturing for the defense industry.”

Future Outlook on Additive Manufacturing

6K Additive's UniMelt microwave plasma process enables lower-cost and more efficient production for high-temperature applications in aerospace.

Brandon Ribic, Technology Director at America Makes, stated, “We are embarking on an incredibly exciting era across the AM sector.” He acknowledged the importance of collaboration to advance this transformative technology.


This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.


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