Home3D PrintingPWS Adopts Nikon SLM 500 for Suppressor Manufacturing

PWS Adopts Nikon SLM 500 for Suppressor Manufacturing


Vigilant Gear, LLC, doing enterprise as Main Weapon Methods (PWS), has acquired a Nikon SLM 500 steel 3D printer to broaden manufacturing capability for its BDE suppressor line, which serves each industrial and authorities prospects. Set up and qualification of the system are scheduled for June at PWS’s 65,000-square-foot vertically built-in facility in Boise, Idaho.

The Idaho-based producer produces practically all firearm elements in-house, together with receivers, barrels, handguards, and 3D printed elements. With output limitations affecting the provision of suppressors, PWS chosen the SLM 500 to extend manufacturing effectivity and introduce new materials capabilities. Parts corresponding to receivers and barrels are fabricated on-site, enabling tighter management over high quality and logistics.

BDE suppressor design schematic. Image via PWS.BDE suppressor design schematic. Image via PWS.
BDE suppressor design schematic. Picture by way of PWS.

Nikon SLM Options, a German firm specializing in multi-laser steel additive manufacturing programs, provides the quad-laser SLM 500 platform. Designed for industrial-scale use in sectors corresponding to aerospace, automotive, and protection, the system allows concurrent laser operation throughout the construct space to enhance throughput whereas sustaining half constancy. PWS plans to increase its materials portfolio by printing with Haynes 282, a nickel-based superalloy with high-temperature and high-strength efficiency properties, changing titanium in choose designs.

“We now have been at capability with our present machine for over a 12 months,” mentioned John Meehan, Director of Engineering at PWS. “The SLM 500 is a welcome addition to our in-house capabilities, and I’ve little doubt it is going to carry out flawlessly and enhance our manufacturing bandwidth.” In keeping with Meehan, the brand new platform balances quantity and price. “The quad lasers permit excessive manufacturing outputs for PWS’s BDE suppressor line whereas delivering a competitively priced completed product.”

Additive processes have develop into more and more related for suppressor manufacturing, the place inside geometries and thermal administration current design challenges. Metallic 3D printing helps consolidated builds with fewer post-processing steps and improved efficiency repeatability. Integration of the SLM 500 is predicted to scale back buyer lead instances and assist a sooner growth cycle for brand spanking new suppressor variants. 

Full BDE suppressor lineup. Image via PWS.Full BDE suppressor lineup. Image via PWS.
Full BDE suppressor lineup. Picture by way of PWS.

Engineering groups at PWS will use the brand new platform to iterate and validate fashions internally, minimizing reliance on exterior prototyping. Improvement and manufacturing workflows will likely be consolidated inside the facility, accelerating product introduction timelines. “This funding marks a pivotal growth for us,” Meehan added. “It helps our engineering staff’s potential to innovate whereas guaranteeing that we will ship persistently and effectively.”

Nikon SLM Options maintains operations throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Its broader platform portfolio consists of programs with as much as 12 lasers and construct charges exceeding 1000 cubic centimeters per hour. The SLM 500 is broadly deployed in mid- to high-volume manufacturing environments that require materials flexibility and course of reliability.

PWS’s adoption of the system displays rising curiosity in additive manufacturing for protection functions, significantly for elements uncovered to thermal and mechanical stress. By integrating this know-how into its vertically aligned manufacturing mannequin, the corporate goals to enhance capability and speed up innovation.

PWS Adopts Nikon SLM 500 for Suppressor Manufacturing
Main Weapon Methods’ newly put in Nikon SLM 500 steel 3D printer. Picture by way of Nikon SLM Options.

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Featured Picture exhibits Main Weapon Methods’ newly put in Nikon SLM 500 steel 3D printer. Picture by way of Nikon SLM Options.

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