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SOFIC 2017: Delta P Design Showcases 3D Printed Suppressor

Next Gen of 3D printed suppressors introduced

Delta P Design has developed a .50 caliber machine-gun suppressor to add to its BREVIS II family of suppressors. Using state-of-the-art Direct Metal Laser Melting (DMLM) 3-D printing technology, the BREVIS II is manufactured in a single, solid piece of metal with no welds or threaded seams for failure points.

According to the company, the BREVIS II suppressors are smaller, lighter, and more durable than conventionally made suppressors and are therefore able to withstand the extremes of heat and pressure found in certain applications. Delta P Design specialises in these extreme-duty applications, such as Short Barrel Rifles (SBR) and belt-fed machine guns.

Manufactured entirely in Inconel (for belt-fed machine guns) or titanium (for bolt-action or semi-automatic rifles), the .50 caliber suppressor has demonstrated in testing its ability to combine shorter length, lighter weight, and superior durability than possible with conventional design and manufacturing technology. Like the rest of the BREVIS II line, the new suppressors excel in all categories including both sound and flash suppression, according to the company.

Delta P Design is currently qualifying suppressors in this class with various customers around the world. Delta P Design provides a full line of suppression solutions and specialises in quick turn development to meet unique applications.

It was disclosed at SOFIC 2017 that Delta P Design and i3DMFG joined forces. Delta P Design and i3DMFG announced their exclusive agreement to design and manufacture 3D-printed weapon suppressors using i3D’s Direct Metal Laser Melting (DMLM) technology. Combining Delta P’s extensive design expertise and i3D’s manufacturing technology, the BREVIS II suppressor line is printed in entirely one piece, with no welded or threaded failure points, providing superior performance, reliability, size and weight reduction according to the companies.

Since the invention of the suppressor more a century ago, designs have been variations on the original theme, locked in and limited by manufacturing processes even older. They all have one thing in common—they are an assembly of many parts welded or threaded together, housed in a cylindrical tube—placing severe limitations on performance. Since threads and welds mean failure points, virtually all suppressors require a quick-disconnect feature in case of failure, further adding to size, weight and cost.

Suppressors utilising the combined 3D printing manufacturing and design expertise of i3D and Delta P Design are made from a single piece of metal. According to the companies, this overcomes many of the restraints imposed by traditional manufacturing methods and removes the negatives imposed by multi-part assemblies.

Features are included that are impossible to make using traditional technology, resulting in smaller, lighter suppressors with improved performance and exceptional durability. For example, all-Inconel suppressors are now possible. Inconel is a high nickel super alloy with significant advantages over stainless steel for suppressor applications. The all-Inconel BREVIS II Magnum suppressors solve the problem of durability in heavy machine-gun applications.

The use of i3D’s manufacturing technology provides a fast turn-around from design to a CAD file, then directly to the 3D printing machine. This eliminates the time consuming steps of parts fabrication and assembly, and greatly simplifies the supply chain. Delta P and i3D specialise in rapid delivery of new designs to meet unique requirements.

3D printed suppressor design requires multiple disciplines coming together,” Dave Strong, Head of Sales and Marketing for Delta P Design, explained. “In many cases, it is as much about development of the manufacturing know-how as it is suppressor design. Delta P Design looks forward to working closely with i3D to leverage their industry leading capabilities and expertise in this field.”

Designing suppressors for 3-D printing requires a sophisticated mastery of both engineering and physics,” added Chad Cooper, Chief Strategic Officer of i3D. “Both the innovation and the speed that is possible with this state-of-the-art technology would have been unimaginable to the prior generation of engineers. We literally can go from performance requirements and a CAD file to finished parts in a matter of days.”

The BREVIS II family is available in a variety of calibers ranging from 5.56mm to .50BMG.

 

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Publish date

05/15/2017

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