In a significant move towards enhancing the availability of advanced materials for additive manufacturing, Broder Powder, a division of Broder Metals Group, has announced a strategic partnership with 6K Additive. This collaboration promises to provide customers in the UK and Ireland with unparalleled access to a full suite of high-performance metal powders, reinforcing Broder Powder’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Founded in Sheffield in 2003, Broder Metals Group has carved out a niche by consistently listening and responding to customer needs. Initially focused on stocking and distributing high-specification stainless steel, nickel alloys, and super alloys, the company serves various critical markets, including Motorsport, Aerospace, and Nuclear. Their rigorous commitment to quality is underscored by achieving ISO 9001 certification in 2005 and AS9120 Aerospace certification in 2019, ensuring every material they sell is fully traceable and certied.

The new partnership with 6K Additive aligns seamlessly with Broder Powder’s mission. At the core of this collaboration is 6K Additive’s revolutionary UniMelt® plasma production system. This cutting-edge technology converts metal scrap and end-of-life parts into high-quality powders, such as nickel, titanium, and refractory alloys, all while drastically reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions compared to traditional methods. This innovation is a leap forward in performance and a stride towards a more sustainable future.

UniMelt: The Future of Sustainable Metal Powder Production

The UniMelt® system, developed by 6K Additive, is a production-scale microwave plasma process that produces advanced materials for additive manufacturing and other industrial applications. The process precisely spheroidizes metal powders, ensuring consistent particle size, shape, and purity. UniMelt’s unique capability to convert scrap and revert into premium metal powders highlights its role in promoting a circular economy.

One of the most remarkable features of the UniMelt® technology is its efficiency. The production process takes less than two seconds from start to finish, significantly faster than traditional methods that often take hours or even days. This rapid production is achieved through high-frequency microwave plasma, which creates an extremely uniform thermal production zone. Every particle undergoes the same process history, ensuring unmatched consistency and quality.