LUBECK, Germany, Jul 10, 2025 – Nikon SLM Solutions is pleased to announce that Vigilant Gear, LLC (DBA Primary Weapon Systems) has acquired a Nikon SLM 500 metal 3D printer to expand capacity for its rapidly growing BDE suppressor product line, supporting both commercial and government markets.
The acquisition is a key step in PWS’s strategy to meet rising demand for its suppressors while enabling development of next-generation designs. The SLM®500’s quad-laser system delivers both the speed and precision required to scale additive manufacturing (AM) production efficiently, without compromising part quality or cost-effectiveness.
“We have been at capacity with our current machine for over a year,” said John Meehan, Director of Engineering at PWS. “The SLM-500 is a welcome addition to our in-house capabilities, and I have no doubt it will perform flawlessly and increase our production bandwidth.”
The SLM 500 will allow PWS to increase output while expanding material capabilities, moving from titanium to printing Haynes 282—an alloy known for its strength and high-temperature performance. This opens up new engineering possibilities for suppressor applications where material performance is critical.
“In the end, the SLM®500 provided the best of both worlds,” added Meehan. “The quad lasers allow high production outputs for PWS’s BDE suppressor line while delivering a competitively priced finished product.”
Installation and qualification are set for June at PWS’s 65,000-square-foot vertically integrated facility in Boise, Idaho, where most key components—including receivers, handguards, barrels, and additively manufactured parts—are produced on-site. The new system will significantly reduce lead times for customers and support faster introduction of new models and technologies developed by the PWS engineering team.
This latest investment highlights the increasing role of additive manufacturing in the firearms industry—especially for performance-critical components like suppressors. The SLM®500’s repeatability and throughput make it a trusted platform for manufacturers ready to scale.
About Primary Weapon Systems
Primary Weapon Systems (PWS) is a vertically integrated firearms manufacturer based in Boise, Idaho. The company specializes in gas mitigation through piston-driven rifle systems and is known for best-in-class sound suppressors. Almost all major components, including receivers, handguards, barrels, and 3D printing, are conducted on-site in their 65,000-square-foot facility. Learn more at primaryweapons.com/suppressors.
About Nikon SLM Solutions
Nikon SLM Solutions AG is a global provider of integrated metal additive manufacturing solutions. Leading the industry since its inception, it continues to drive the future of metal AM in every major industry with its customers’ long-term success at its core. Nikon SLM Solutions is home to the world’s fastest metal additive manufacturing machines boasting up to 12 lasers and enabling build rates of up to 1000ccm/h. With a portfolio of systems to suit every customer’s needs, along with its team of experts closely collaborating at every stage of the process, Nikon SLM Solutions leads the way on return on investment with maximum efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Nikon SLM Solutions believes that additive manufacturing is the future of manufacturing and has the desire and capability to take its customers there – right now.
Nikon SLM Solutions AG is a Company headquartered in Germany, with offices in Canada, France, India, Italy, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States.Further information is available on www.nikon-slm-solutions.com.
