North Andover, Massachusetts
6K’s core technology is the UniMelt4 microwave plasma platform, enabling rapid, contamination-free production of advanced materials such as cathode active materials for batteries. The technology uses plasma to transform recycled materials like scrap metal and used batteries into high-quality battery-grade materials such as Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) cathodes. The process drastically reduces production times from days to seconds while lowering water usage by over 90% and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 92%.
6K Energy, a division of 6K Inc., produces battery-grade cathode active materials (CAM) including single-crystal NMC and LFP cathodes known for durability, long life cycles, and safety. The company is also developing advanced battery components such as silicon-dominant anodes and solid-state electrolytes. Their PlusCAM facility in Jackson, Tennessee, manufactures CAM using recycled materials like nickel and lithium carbonate, producing up to one ton per month in an IRA-compliant facility.
Notable projects include the PlusCAM Battery Material Plant in Jackson, Tennessee, the world’s first plasma cathode plant for local, sustainable lithium-ion battery CAM production to secure U.S. supply chains. 6K Additive leads sustainable additive manufacturing projects optimizing powder and processes for aerospace and defense with partners like America Makes and University of Arizona. In partnership with Aqua Metals, 6K is developing a circular supply chain for critical minerals. Other initiatives include sustainable metal powder production from recycled sources and collaborations with Relativity Space on additive-manufactured rocket parts. 6K was named to Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies List in 2024 for its green material transformation efforts.
6K Inc. has raised approximately $255M over five funding rounds, including an $82M Series E round in 2024 led by existing investors. Key investors include Anzu Partners, Energy Impact Partners, LaunchCapital, Material Impact, Volta Energy Technologies, Catalus Capital, and S Cap/Prithvi Ventures. This significant backing from venture capital and strategic firms underscores strong investor confidence in its sustainable materials production.
