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PTR Vent Suppressor: 3D Printed Titanium Foam (Ad-free)

PTR's new "Vent" line of suppressors are a really cool use of new technology to better execute an old design concept. The idea is that forcing muzzle gasses through a porous material will work well to slow and cool them, providing good sound suppression. Back in the 1940s (through the 60s or 70s), this was done with wire mesh rolled into a tube. Today, PTR is following the same principle to a much finer degree by using additive manufacturing to produce titanium with "purposely induced porosity". Essentially, titanium foam. Their design is furthermore done to minimize back pressure, allowing guns to run suppressed without modification and for shooters to not get a lot of noxious exhaust in the face. And on top of all that, the suppressors are quite light. What's not to like?

Well, the price, for one thing. In addition, these cans require periodic cleaning, unlike most centerfire suppressors. PTR suggests soaking them (or better, using an ultrasonic cleaner) every 1000 rounds for pistol cartridges and every 1500 rounds for rifle cartridges. This is necessary to prevent the porous titanium from clogging up with carbon.

Is that a worthwhile tradeoff? Well, that depends on each person's specific desires and needs.

Pew Science report on the 9mm Vent 2: https://pewscience.com/sound-signature-reviews-free/sss-6-131-ptr-vent-2-sp5 

Pew Science report on the 5.56mm Vent 3: https://pewscience.com/sound-signature-reviews-free/sss-6-135-ptr-vent-3-mk18-556

PTR Vent Suppressor: 3D Printed Titanium Foam (Ad-free)

Comments

Instead of a single piece, why not multiple parts so it's easier to clean?

Hozi

These look like a really good use for additive manufacturing. Re: Ultrasonic cleaners - Over a decade working in a lab utilizing them daily. Duty cycles of hours per day. They last decades. You will need to pay for actual lab-grade equipment so I am not certain how much Alibaba or Wish prices are but even brand new from Fischer you should be fine with a model costing $1.200 - 2k. You can spend more but if you buy off of ebay or at auction you can get a $10k unit for under $2k without undo effort. Again, it will last a lifetime. Units with a low/high frequency range choice are best for gross vs fine cleaning. Buy Once, Cry Once. Still and all a $1k lower end unit can last a decade or more. We used variously isopropyl alcohol/distilled water/Sonic Power Degreaser. Usually alkaline seldom some slightly acidic cleaners. Price for a 5gal pail of Sonic Power Degreaser is ~$155 and a 5% solution means it lasts a LONG time. Peaceful Skies

Mark H. Smith

Any suggestions on a ultrasonic cleaner that will last with monthly (2hr) use and coat less than $500 and solvent that cost less than $15 a gal?

Retired No Bad Days

Well reloading brands (at last RCBS, Lyman and Hornady) sell those cleaners. All od them are just rebranded generál Chinese stuff - just logos Colours And hefty premium. You could buy these elswhere for less. Have such And results are...OK-ish. Best for big čase like .45. But Its useful for cleaning revolver cylinders And other generál stuff.

Štěpán Mikulica

Even though microphones don't do well picking up gunshots, that was almost all just the clanking of the actions working.

Martin Morehouse

About 8 years ago I bought a Lyman ultrasonic cleaner from Cabelas to clean brass and other gun parts. I used the same cleaning mix I was using before when I just soaked and shake by hand. Using the ultrasonic cleaner the brass was slightly better but took three times longer to process and the ultrasonic cleaner stopped working after one year. What I learned was if you plan on using a ultrasonic cleaner to clean hard to remove powder fowling you will need expensive equipment (+$500) and expensive solvent. Your cleaning equipment could cost more that the suppressor.

Retired No Bad Days

comes across very quiet with the subs. man I'd love that kp-9, insane price and 10rd mags only... nope.

Guido Schriewer


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