Suppressors 3D Printed Suppressors

Interesting,. Like they had said there aerospace and aviation industry has been the front runners in the additive manufacturing processes. The ability to 3D print complex components that can't be done otherwise. Many of the printed turbine components that I have seen are subjected to heat or pressure, but I can't say I have seen any that are subjected to both, especially the potential level of pressure a supressor experiences. As they said that there complex design can't be achieved with traditional methods, I wonder how it will clean up. Or is it like some of the other sealed designs where once it reaches a level of buildup that can't be flushed it's time for a new one. I'm interested, they may have an advantage with the additive manufacturing.
 
Made of 718 Inconel. A "super alloy" that is supposedly harder than titanium.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Inconel 718 round bar

Inconel is a family of austenitic nickel-chromium-based superalloys.[1]

Inconel alloys are oxidation-corrosion-resistant materials well suited for service in extreme environments subjected to pressure and heat. When heated, Inconel forms a thick, stable, passivating oxide layer protecting the surface from further attack. Inconel retains strength over a wide temperature range, attractive for high temperature applications where aluminum and steel would succumb to creep as a result of thermally induced crystal vacancies. Inconel’s high temperature strength is developed by solid solution strengthening or precipitation hardening, depending on the alloy.[2][3]

Inconel alloys are typically used in high temperature applications. Common trade names for Inconel Alloy 625 include: Inconel 625, Chronin 625, Altemp 625, Haynes 625, Nickelvac 625 and Nicrofer 6020.[4]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inconel#cite_note-4
 
Yeah Inconel 718 is great stuff. We use tons of it at work, takes heat and pressure excellent, very little corrosion stress cracking issues, awesome stuff. What I wonder about is how it's going to behave in that environment as a additive manufactured component. Obviously if there willing to stick there neck out on it there is something there. Seems like there in the aviation industry and working to branch out. The laser sintered metal printers are HIGH dollar. Many of which you still can't own, you have to lease them from the manufacturer.
 
I shot an NRL match with the Kelbly team and most of them ran a 3d printed suppressor (a stubby fat one). They worked fine over 2 days of shooting and I was pretty impressed with the level of suppression given its size. Not sure what connections they may have with the company but they had nothing but good to say about them. Personally id want to see how they do a bit longer before i invested the money and 6+months of time waiting to see if it was a waste.
 
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This is a older prototype in aluminum that was cut up for inspection following extensive testing. For cleaning, we recommend sending it back to us. We have found that they do not get much carbon build up other than a light coat because the design keeps the gases moving.

IMG_4065.JPG
 
Nice it's a over the barrel design. I have an ultrasonic cleaner, i would think the texture of printed components would aid in more turbulent flow and friction, but buildup was my concern there. I may look further into one later this year. I have been dragging my feet on more cans in the hope that they would come off the NFA list.