Suppressor costs, talk to me

[2tuna]

Very interesting replies. Thanks

I can understand the benefits (and costs) of Ti 3d printing - particularly with the improved geometries that are possible with enhanced baffling, etc - but aren't many suppressors still machined? CNC is pretty cost effective. For a hunting rifle with a relatively slow rate of fire, it seems like there could be lower price options.

But as many have said, the regulatory/insurance costs may be prohibitive

 

[Bluefish]

What? Cans are not being printed in 12 min with the machines I’ve seen. Not even close.

A guess based on what I could find for machine specs. So adjust based on the time you know. I would still think a printer is $2-$3 per min shop rate. It would only make it more expensive.

I know from doing printing on vipers (sla), and dlp machines, the dlp machines are significantly faster due to how they expose the material. Also doing a full base plate vs a single can will be different.

 

[Chris in TN]

Is there a compelling reason you couldn't just use titanium tubing bought in a preformed condition?

Buy tube, thread both ends, drop some 3d printed baffles in - and maybe they don't even have to be made of Ti. Maybe the first 2 are Ti, then the rest are steel, to balance weight against cost. Screw on end cap. Done.

I mean I get that there are advantages to full 3d printed designs but a hybrid, partially Ti can that was under 10 ounces and under, say, $500, would get a lot of traction, IMO.

Am I wrong? Am I way off on the cost of sufficiently strong tubing?

 

[Choupique]

Am I way off on the cost

The cost to build it in a manner that it was durable enough would probably drive the sell price well above $500

AB (aerocharger) makes turbine parts via printing. Im sure whatever they are doing is about as well as it can be done from a cost / durability / performance perspective. Its not difficult to make a rifle less noisy but to do it cheaply and reliably and light weight is pretty tough.

 

[liv3mind]

You can build for less than 80$ if you remove the stamp. Many are getting 500-1000 rounds or more out of 3d printed cores encased in aluminum/carbon tubing, and this is from 556 and 308, not 22lr.