Oerlikon marks 25,000 additively manufactured suppressors made from MetcoAdd nickel powder
June 16, 2025
Oerlikon AM, the Additive Manufacturing division of Oerlikon, headquartered in Pfäffikon, Switzerland, has achieved a major production milestone with the delivery of its 25,000th additively manufactured suppressor, produced using Oerlikon MetcoAdd nickel powder.
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Manufactured at Oerlikon’s 125,000 sq ft production facility in Huntersville, North Carolina, USA, Oerlikon leverages Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) technology to produce metal components for critical defence applications. Suppressors have become a standout use case, benefiting from Additive Manufacturing’s design freedom and efficiency.
Dan Haller, Head of Commercial at Oerlikon AM, shared, “Unlike traditional suppressors that require complex, multi-part assemblies and often generate high back pressure, the 3D-printed suppressors we manufacture are single-piece designs with significantly lower back pressure.”
Oerlikon works directly with firearms and suppressor customers to develop innovations that reduce gas blowback, minimise operator exposure to harmful gases like carbon monoxide and lead, and lower the risk of hearing loss and brain injuries caused by repeated muzzle blasts. These innovations are also extremely durable, enhancing reliability and longevity in the field.
This milestone underscores Oerlikon’s focus on defence applications, extending well beyond Additive Manufacturing to include a broad portfolio of high-performance materials and coating solutions.
