PWS Adopts Nikon SLM500 for Additive Manufacturing of Suppressors

Primary Weapon Systems (PWS) is a firearms manufacturer based in Boise, Idaho, that has expanded its metal 3D printing capabilities with the Nikon SLM500. This marks a significant shift towards scaling additive manufacturing for its BDE suppressor line. The system itself will both support the growing demand within the defense market while also cementing the growing role of 3D printing within firearms manufacturing. This investment signals a broader trend with defense sector manufacturers adopting addive technologies to boost both their flexibility and overall innovation.

The SLM500’s quad-laser design delivers a high output without losing accuracy or heavy maintenance, which has increased production of PWS’ complex suppressor components. Director of Engineering at PWS, John Meehan, stated, “We have been at capacity with our current machine for over a year. The SLM-500 is a welcome addition to our capabilities, and I have no doubt it will perform flawlessly and increase our production bandwidth.” The integration of the printer is expected to significantly reduce manufacturing times and enable a swift rollout of PWS’s next-generation suppressor models.

The Nikon SLM500 Dual Laser Printer System (Credit: Nikon SLM Solutions)

Since PWS acquired the SLM500, they haven’t just increased their capacity, but they have also unlocked new engineering capabilities. The company announced that it has expanded its portfolio to include materials besides titanium, such as Haynes 282, a high-temperature alloy that is already present within the aerospace and defense sector. This allows for new designs that can endure high heat and pressure during use. Meehan noted, “In the end, the SLM500 provided the best of both worlds. The quad lasers allow high production outputs for PWS’s BDE suppressor line while delivering a competitively priced finished product.“