{"id":1616,"date":"2025-04-24T00:30:38","date_gmt":"2025-04-24T00:30:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=1616"},"modified":"2025-04-24T00:30:38","modified_gmt":"2025-04-24T00:30:38","slug":"3d-printed-suppressors-all-the-cans-thats-fit-to-print","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=1616","title":{"rendered":"3D Printed Suppressors: All The Cans That\u2019s Fit To Print"},"content":{"rendered":"<div> <!-- image --><\/p>\n<div class=\"td-post-featured-image\">\n<figure><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cutaway model of the Huxwrx FLOW 556k shows the complex geometry in modern suppressors that\u2019s made possible by additive manufacturing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3d-printed-suppressors-are-extremely-popular-these-days-but-do-they-live-up-to-the-hype\"><strong>3D printed suppressors are extremely popular these days, but do they live up to the hype?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s often said that seismic levels of innovation in the firearms space are rare. Certainly, companies and individuals come up with great new ideas all the time. But sea changes that affect an entire segment of the industry don\u2019t happen very often. The advent of using additive manufacturing\u2014the fancy name for 3D printing\u2014to produce suppressors is one of those key industry-wide developments.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-types-of-manufacturing\"><strong>Types Of Manufacturing<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Suppressors are devices that are made of metal with specially designed geometry designed to trap, redirect, cool and slow down the gases from a gunshot, thus reducing the sound signature of a firearm, among other things.<\/p>\n<p>The traditional method to manufacture devices like silencers is by machining them. Think of it like Michelangelo sculpting the statue of David\u2014starting from a solid block of stone, he painstakingly chiseled away chips of marble to reveal the masterpiece within. CNC (computer numerical control) machines are programmed to take a block of material, such as stainless steel, and use tooling to remove material from it until you\u2019re left with the desired component. You can then weld and screw them together into the final product. Since you\u2019re removing material to create the desired result, this is called subtractive manufacturing.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, additive manufacturing works in the opposite manner. Think of building up something from LEGOs, where you combine small elements to create a larger composition\u2014like that rocket ship or race car that you made out of LEGOs when you were a kid. DMLS (direct metal laser sintering) machines use high-powered lasers to selectively fuse layers of metal powder into the desired final product. They\u2019re controlled by sophisticated software, forming the end product out of the powder, layer by layer. Thus, you start from nothing and keep adding material until you have the final product, hence the term additive manufacturing.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3d-printed-suppressor-cutaway-CGS.jpg\" alt=\"3d printed suppressor cutaway CGS\" class=\"wp-image-298018\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3d-printed-suppressor-cutaway-CGS.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3d-printed-suppressor-cutaway-CGS-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3d-printed-suppressor-cutaway-CGS-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3d-printed-suppressor-cutaway-CGS-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3d-printed-suppressor-cutaway-CGS-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3d-printed-suppressor-cutaway-CGS-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A cutaway rendering of the CGS Hyperion QD 762. Note the annular cavity at the perimeter that acts as a bore evacuator.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The key advantage of this process is that it makes it possible to create precise, highly complex geometries that would otherwise be either impossible or excessively expensive to achieve with traditional manufacturing.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor-silencer-central.jpg\" alt=\"banish speed k suppressor silencer central\" class=\"wp-image-298019\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor-silencer-central.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor-silencer-central-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor-silencer-central-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor-silencer-central-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor-silencer-central-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor-silencer-central-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor-silencer-central.jpg\" alt=\"banish speed k suppressor silencer central\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-298019\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor-silencer-central.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor-silencer-central-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor-silencer-central-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor-silencer-central-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor-silencer-central-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor-silencer-central-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Speed K\u2019s 3D-printed finned blast chamber is designed to disperse energy as quickly as possible.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In preparing this article, we interviewed executives at Dead Air, Huxwrx, Primary Weapon Systems, Radical Defense, Silencer Central and SureFire to gather the latest insights and perspectives from those in the thick of it.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-characteristics-of-suppressors\"><strong>Characteristics of Suppressors<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>To understand why the capabilities of additive manufacturing make such a big difference in enhancing the performance of suppressors, let\u2019s discuss some key characteristics and design goals of suppressors.<\/p>\n<p>First, they\u2019re intended to reduce the sound signature of a gun as much as possible, to mitigate permanent hearing damage to the shooter and others nearby. Not only is this a health and safety concern, but it also makes shooting much more pleasant, especially for new or sensitive shooters. Once you try hunting with a silencer, you\u2019ll never want to go back. For society, there\u2019s less noise pollution in the community. And for those in harm\u2019s way, it makes it easier to communicate and harder for opposing forces to locate the operator.<\/p>\n<p>Second, flash reduction is also desirable, helping to protect your vision especially in low light and under night vision. Warfighters can also minimize their visible footprint during engagements.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-silencer-shooting.jpg\" alt=\"modern silencer shooting\" class=\"wp-image-298022\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-silencer-shooting.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-silencer-shooting-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-silencer-shooting-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-silencer-shooting-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-silencer-shooting-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-silencer-shooting-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-silencer-shooting.jpg\" alt=\"modern silencer shooting\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-298022\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-silencer-shooting.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-silencer-shooting-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-silencer-shooting-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-silencer-shooting-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-silencer-shooting-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/modern-silencer-shooting-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Modern silencers strike an ever-better balance between sound mitigation, back pressure, flash reduction and other key characteristics.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Ideally, suppressors would have minimal impact on the functioning of the host weapon, so that it operates the same (or better) with the suppressor attached than without it. For instance, it\u2019s better to avoid affecting bolt speeds and requiring adjustable gas systems; nor do you want to pull away too much gas and induce malfunctions. For full-auto platforms, it\u2019s best not to change cyclic rates and accelerate wear on parts. When it comes to impacts downrange, the less zero shift the better and every time the silencer is removed and reattached it should return to the same zero.<\/p>\n<p>Back pressure deserves its own mention, though it technically falls under the previous category. This is a very hot topic these days, as folks have realized the negative effects of back pressure from suppressors over the years. Not only is the toxicity of increased gases coming back to the shooter a major health concern, back pressure also increases wear and fouling, thus decreasing reliability. Lowering back pressure in modern silencer designs is a key priority for many companies and a common ask from end users, agencies and militaries.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressor-back-pressure-test-chamber.jpg\" alt=\"suppressor back pressure test chamber\" class=\"wp-image-298020\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressor-back-pressure-test-chamber.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressor-back-pressure-test-chamber-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressor-back-pressure-test-chamber-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressor-back-pressure-test-chamber-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressor-back-pressure-test-chamber-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressor-back-pressure-test-chamber-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressor-back-pressure-test-chamber.jpg\" alt=\"suppressor back pressure test chamber\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-298020\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressor-back-pressure-test-chamber.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressor-back-pressure-test-chamber-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressor-back-pressure-test-chamber-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressor-back-pressure-test-chamber-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressor-back-pressure-test-chamber-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressor-back-pressure-test-chamber-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>Then, there\u2019s fundamental characteristics like durability, concentricity, physical dimensions and weight.<\/p>\n<p>Juggling multiple parameters almost always involves trade-offs and compromises, as nothing comes for free. Making a change to optimize one factor will typically affect others. And everything needs to balanced against the cost to manufacture the product, as it needs to be priced appropriately for its target market with enough margin for the manufacturer.<\/p>\n<p>A perfect example of those trade-offs is Silencer Central\u2019s Speed K suppressor, which is offered in two variants: a very lightweight, non-full-auto-rated model printed from titanium and a hard use, heavier, full-auto-rated model made of Inconel. The end user can decide for themselves which mix of characteristics best fits their needs.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor.jpg\" alt=\"banish speed k suppressor\" class=\"wp-image-298024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor.jpg\" alt=\"banish speed k suppressor\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-298024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/banish-speed-k-suppressor-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-benefits-of-additive-manufacturing\"><strong>Benefits of Additive Manufacturing<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Additive manufacturing is so valuable because it enables the complicated geometries that can achieve good performance across the key metrics described above, especially low back pressure. Randy Stumph, COO of Huxwrx, explained that the company had been attempting to implement various ideas for low back pressure designs for years but were unable to achieve the desired performance until they tapped into the capabilities of 3D printing. \u201cWe had a geometry problem to solve. You can print things that can\u2019t be or aren\u2019t practical to machine.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>It also enables rapid prototyping, as you can quickly and easily go from model to print.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3d-printed-suppressor-silencer-central-9k.jpg\" alt=\"3d printed suppressor silencer central 9k\" class=\"wp-image-298023\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3d-printed-suppressor-silencer-central-9k.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3d-printed-suppressor-silencer-central-9k-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3d-printed-suppressor-silencer-central-9k-768x496.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3d-printed-suppressor-silencer-central-9k-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3d-printed-suppressor-silencer-central-9k-696x450.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3d-printed-suppressor-silencer-central-9k-650x420.jpg 650w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"660\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3d-printed-suppressor-silencer-central-9k.jpg\" alt=\"3d printed suppressor silencer central 9k\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-298023\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3d-printed-suppressor-silencer-central-9k.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3d-printed-suppressor-silencer-central-9k-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3d-printed-suppressor-silencer-central-9k-768x496.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3d-printed-suppressor-silencer-central-9k-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3d-printed-suppressor-silencer-central-9k-696x450.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/3d-printed-suppressor-silencer-central-9k-650x420.jpg 650w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The diminutive Silencer Central Banish 9K is 3D printed from titanium and weighs just 2.7 ounces, so no piston is required.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>By definition, it\u2019s more efficient in raw materials consumption, as you only use what you need with not that much waste. This is in contrast with subtractive manufacturing where you can mill away a ton of material, perhaps 80 percent of a billet. That swarf goes straight in the trash, whereas excess metal powder from printing can be processed and a good portion recycled. Printing isn\u2019t totally efficient, as you\u2019ll need to remove support structures and do other post-processing.<\/p>\n<p>There are also materials like Inconel and Haynes 282, prized for hard-use applications, that are very difficult to machine but can be printed like any other powder.<\/p>\n<p>Printing is extremely consistent and repeatable, creating extremely straight final products\u2014this is great given the importance of concentricity with silencers. Machining is capable of even tighter tolerances, but it\u2019s demanding to do it consistently.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/silencer-central-banish-9k-3d-printed-suppressor.jpg\" alt=\"silencer central banish 9k 3d printed suppressor\" class=\"wp-image-298029\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/silencer-central-banish-9k-3d-printed-suppressor.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/silencer-central-banish-9k-3d-printed-suppressor-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/silencer-central-banish-9k-3d-printed-suppressor-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/silencer-central-banish-9k-3d-printed-suppressor-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/silencer-central-banish-9k-3d-printed-suppressor-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/silencer-central-banish-9k-3d-printed-suppressor-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/silencer-central-banish-9k-3d-printed-suppressor.jpg\" alt=\"silencer central banish 9k 3d printed suppressor\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-298029\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/silencer-central-banish-9k-3d-printed-suppressor.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/silencer-central-banish-9k-3d-printed-suppressor-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/silencer-central-banish-9k-3d-printed-suppressor-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/silencer-central-banish-9k-3d-printed-suppressor-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/silencer-central-banish-9k-3d-printed-suppressor-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/silencer-central-banish-9k-3d-printed-suppressor-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p>Additionally, you can continually make incremental improvements from one production run to the next if desired, since the printer just works off the file you program it with. With typical high-volume production by machining, it can be harder to make refinements to products along the way when you\u2019ve already premade large batches of components for assembly.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-limitations-and-concerns\"><strong>Limitations and Concerns<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>There are some limitations and concerns related to 3D printing.<\/p>\n<p>If you think about how printers put down layer after layer, from the build plate upward, this imposes some limitations on geometry such as angles and overhangs. Additionally, all of the powder needs to be evacuated from the end product, so you can\u2019t have designs that block excess powder from getting out. All of the companies we talked to said that you just need to be cognizant of these limitations and can effectively design around them.<\/p>\n<p>Surface finish is also rougher; besides the cosmetic difference, it can provide enhanced grip, heat dissipation, and shapes and textures that would be impractical to achieve traditionally.<\/p>\n<p>Certain operations are still best done traditionally, such as machining threads and producing muzzle devices and adapters.<\/p>\n<p>Diligent production processes and quality control are critical to ensure consistent and proper grain structure, porosity and so forth, as well as to avoid and\/or detect bad layers. Many companies offer hard-use models that are 100-percent printed suppressors and heartily stand behind their durability and reliability for mission-critical use. Anyone familiar with SureFire\u2019s product philosophy shouldn\u2019t be surprised that they still have an outer Inconel tube wrapped around the new RC3\u2019s mix of printed and machined innards that\u2019s also welded to the front and back, acting as a fail-safe. Barry Dueck, their VP of suppressors and weapons, said, \u201cAs a military product, if you\u2019re downrange on a mission, even if something happens to break, it\u2019ll still all hold together.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-rc3-suppressor-ar15.jpg\" alt=\"surefire rc3 suppressor ar15\" class=\"wp-image-298025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-rc3-suppressor-ar15.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-rc3-suppressor-ar15-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-rc3-suppressor-ar15-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-rc3-suppressor-ar15-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-rc3-suppressor-ar15-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-rc3-suppressor-ar15-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-rc3-suppressor-ar15.jpg\" alt=\"surefire rc3 suppressor ar15\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-298025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-rc3-suppressor-ar15.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-rc3-suppressor-ar15-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-rc3-suppressor-ar15-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-rc3-suppressor-ar15-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-rc3-suppressor-ar15-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-rc3-suppressor-ar15-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The hard-use SureFire RC3 mixes traditional and additive manufacturing methods.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>As you\u2019d expect, the cost to manufacture printed suppressors is higher than their machined counterparts.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-vertical-integration-vs-outsourcing\"><strong>Vertical Integration vs. Outsourcing<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Accordingly, 3D printing machines are also extremely expensive. Not only do you need to invest in the machine itself, easily $1 million and more, you need a big footprint around it in your facility; infrastructure, hazmat and support systems; argon gas; staff; learning and knowledge; and the list goes on. It\u2019s a huge capital expenditure and commitment to do your own printing, though the payoff is capturing that extra expertise and margin. It\u2019s no surprise that not many companies have vertically integrated in this manner. Mike Pappas at Dead Air doesn\u2019t get too worked up over it\u2014\u201cNobody\u2019s smelting their own ore. Many manufacturers use production partners.\u201d Dead Air\u2019s newest Lazarus 6 is printed with ultra-durable Haynes 282.<\/p>\n<p>Silencer Central sells and ships products from a wide range of brands direct to consumers, but they\u2019ve also stood up their own product line. After initially outsourcing product development, they\u2019ve now brought engineering in-house. Lukas VanLaecken, director of engineering, described how extremely carefully they screened and selected manufacturing partners. \u201cIt\u2019s not just the equipment but the workforce that are important, and we\u2019ve found partners to work closely with who are experts.\u201d Everyone we talked to stressed the importance of being very thorough and diligent in assessing potential production partners. Dueck recounted sending the exact same sample file to several print houses and receiving prints back with different dimensions.<\/p>\n<p>The software systems driving these machines are critical, and print houses learn their intricacies and how to coax the desired results, so working together closely during the design process is important.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pws-3d-printed-suppressor.jpg\" alt=\"pws 3d printed suppressor\" class=\"wp-image-298028\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pws-3d-printed-suppressor.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pws-3d-printed-suppressor-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pws-3d-printed-suppressor-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pws-3d-printed-suppressor-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pws-3d-printed-suppressor-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pws-3d-printed-suppressor-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pws-3d-printed-suppressor.jpg\" alt=\"pws 3d printed suppressor\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-298028\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pws-3d-printed-suppressor.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pws-3d-printed-suppressor-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pws-3d-printed-suppressor-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pws-3d-printed-suppressor-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pws-3d-printed-suppressor-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pws-3d-printed-suppressor-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Primary Weapon Systems BDE suppressor is 3D-printed titanium with modular removable baffles.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Primary Weapon Systems, on the other hand, felt a strategic imperative to own their machine and build that manufacturing capability in-house. COO Jason Curns explained, \u201cIt was a huge learning curve and so much to set up. It could go wrong in a lot of ways. That was about three years ago, and it\u2019s already paid off. Buy once, cry once. We\u2019re looking at buying another machine, a quad laser.\u201d Their machine runs 24\/7, cranking out nothing but PWS suppressors.<\/p>\n<p>Huxwrx is synonymous at this point with their flow-through, printed silencers, but they don\u2019t own any printers. With the volume they do, they\u2019ve settled in the middle ground, essentially leasing dedicated manufacturing capability. They\u2019ve contracted with key preferred manufacturing partners to have machines dedicated solely to Huxwrx production, sort of a hybrid form of vertical integration.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressed-m249-belt-fed-machinegun.jpg\" alt=\"suppressed m249 belt fed machinegun\" class=\"wp-image-298026\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressed-m249-belt-fed-machinegun.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressed-m249-belt-fed-machinegun-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressed-m249-belt-fed-machinegun-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressed-m249-belt-fed-machinegun-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressed-m249-belt-fed-machinegun-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressed-m249-belt-fed-machinegun-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressed-m249-belt-fed-machinegun.jpg\" alt=\"suppressed m249 belt fed machinegun\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-298026\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressed-m249-belt-fed-machinegun.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressed-m249-belt-fed-machinegun-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressed-m249-belt-fed-machinegun-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressed-m249-belt-fed-machinegun-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressed-m249-belt-fed-machinegun-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/suppressed-m249-belt-fed-machinegun-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Radical Defense\u2019s 556-GPS suppressor is specifically designed for belt-fed machine guns. It\u2019s printed with Haynes 282 superalloy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Radical Defense is an interesting case study. They initially bought a printer to work on prototyping machine gun suppressors, after tiring of paying high fees to other companies for help. After some time working with it, learning a lot of lessons, and starting to help others in the industry with their prototyping projects, Radical decided to pursue the OEM opportunity, helping other manufacturers design and print their suppressors. Five years ago, Radical Defense broke off from the original firearms business, and now over 80 percent of their revenues come from OEM customers. Less than 20 percent comes from Radical\u2019s own suppressor line, which is primarily driven by military and law enforcement requirements both domestically and abroad.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speed-k-3d-printed-suppressor-m249-belt-fed.jpg\" alt=\"speed k 3d printed suppressor m249 belt fed\" class=\"wp-image-298027\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speed-k-3d-printed-suppressor-m249-belt-fed.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speed-k-3d-printed-suppressor-m249-belt-fed-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speed-k-3d-printed-suppressor-m249-belt-fed-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speed-k-3d-printed-suppressor-m249-belt-fed-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speed-k-3d-printed-suppressor-m249-belt-fed-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speed-k-3d-printed-suppressor-m249-belt-fed-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speed-k-3d-printed-suppressor-m249-belt-fed.jpg\" alt=\"speed k 3d printed suppressor m249 belt fed\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-298027\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speed-k-3d-printed-suppressor-m249-belt-fed.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speed-k-3d-printed-suppressor-m249-belt-fed-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speed-k-3d-printed-suppressor-m249-belt-fed-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speed-k-3d-printed-suppressor-m249-belt-fed-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speed-k-3d-printed-suppressor-m249-belt-fed-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/speed-k-3d-printed-suppressor-m249-belt-fed-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rocking and rolling with a Silencer Central Speed K printed from inconel on an FN M249.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Ross Aguirre, VP of business development, and Nick Kostin, director of testing and evaluation, talked about the tremendous growth they\u2019ve experienced. \u201cWe have seven quad-laser machines and will be growing to nine or 10 by the end of the year. They\u2019re all running 24\/7. Our OEMs keep us so busy, we often run out of inventory of our own products.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>With so much production capacity, they can also do prototyping exercises where they print a bunch of variations of a design to test and optimize it.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-looking-to-the-future\"><strong>Looking to the Future<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Just like the broader technology market, 3D printing is evolving and changing very quickly. Software is improving even quicker, adding additional capability and nuance, such as detecting spots where an abnormality like a bulge will be created and automatically compensating for it. Even with the same machines, many significant improvements have and will come purely from software upgrades.<\/p>\n<p>Higher throughput will be greatly welcomed because there\u2019s a whole lot of waiting involved in 3D printing, and shorter print times will boost production and reduce unit costs. Radical expects continuing progress on optimizing run times, laser paths and so on. Pricing for printers will likely decrease over time too, also pushing costs down.<\/p>\n<p>This isn\u2019t the death knell of traditionally machined suppressors, though. Especially if silencers are deregulated at some point, demand for low-cost options will likely increase, and machined suppressors will probably fill that segment. It would likely be a huge boom for the whole industry too, and companies won\u2019t be able to print cans fast enough.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-suppressor-computer-model.jpg\" alt=\"surefire suppressor computer model\" class=\"wp-image-298021\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-suppressor-computer-model.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-suppressor-computer-model-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-suppressor-computer-model-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-suppressor-computer-model-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-suppressor-computer-model-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-suppressor-computer-model-670x420.jpg 670w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1021\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-suppressor-computer-model.jpg\" alt=\"surefire suppressor computer model\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-298021\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-suppressor-computer-model.jpg 1021w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-suppressor-computer-model-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-suppressor-computer-model-768x481.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-suppressor-computer-model-150x94.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-suppressor-computer-model-696x436.jpg 696w, https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/surefire-suppressor-computer-model-670x420.jpg 670w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1021px) 100vw, 1021px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">SureFire used computational fluid dynamics modeling and simulation extensively throughout the RC3\u2019s development process.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Engineers are constantly learning more about flow and geometry, and what capabilities can be pushed further for better performance. Computational fluid dynamics modeling systems keep getting better. There could be more optimization of materials for specific applications too.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s so much to be excited about in the coming years, as additive manufacturing continues to unlock better performance across all of the key parameters for suppressors.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Editor&#8217;s Note:<\/strong>\u00a0This article originally appeared in the 2025 suppressor special issue of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/gundigestservice.com\/customer\/subscribe.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gun Digest the Magazine<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<p><strong>More On Suppressors:<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-29\" style=\"margin: 8px 0; clear: both;\">\n<div style=\"border: 2px solid #e5e5e5; padding: 20px; border-radius: 10px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-271572\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyload alignright size-medium wp-image-271572\" src=\"https:\/\/gundigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300-300x235.jpg\" alt=\"44-Targetposters-pack-GD-reduced-300\" width=\"300\" height=\"235\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"color: #333; text-align: center;\">Next Step: Get your FREE Printable Target Pack<\/h2>\n<p>Enhance your shooting precision with our 62 MOA Targets, perfect for rifles and handguns. Crafted in collaboration with Storm Tactical for accuracy and versatility.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Subscribe to the Gun Digest email newsletter<\/strong> and get your downloadable target pack sent straight to your inbox. Stay updated with the latest firearms info in the industry.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><script>!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)\n{if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?\nn.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};\nif(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';\nn.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;\nt.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];\ns.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, document,'script',\n'https:\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/fbevents.js');\nfbq('init', '621304737315292');\nfbq('track', 'PageView');<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cutaway model of the Huxwrx FLOW 556k shows the complex geometry in modern suppressors that\u2019s made possible by additive manufacturing. 3D printed suppressors are extremely popular these days, but do they live up to the hype? It\u2019s often said that seismic levels of innovation in the firearms space are rare. Certainly, companies and individuals come [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1617,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1616","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tactical-gear"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1616","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1616"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1616\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1618,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1616\/revisions\/1618"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1617"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1616"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1616"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1616"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}