Suppressors are great tools to cut down on the sound output from your firearm. They not only catch the sound and some of the recoil energy from every shot, but also the residue from the actual explosion of gunpowder. This means that routine cleaning should be part of your regular maintenance. With traditional suppressors, this means disassembling and user serviceability, but what about the suppressor models that are constructed using additive manufacturing processes? You still need to know how to clean a 3D printed suppressor. Here’s how you do it.
Easy way to clean a suppressor
The BANISH 9K is a 9mm suppressor made using additive manufacturing processes. It is not user serviceable and needs to be cleaned regularly using the soak and dry technique.
The best way to get a suppressor like the BANISH 9K completely clean is by using an ultrasonic machine with cleaning solution. Ultra sonic breaks up residue and separates it from the can in short order. While there are plenty of options for ultra sonic cleaners, we suggest Breakthrough Clean Technologies Suppressor Solvent. It is designed specifically for suppressors and it works to neutralize all corrosive residues preventing damaging rust and corrosion without etching or harming the can.
Lukas VanLaecken, Silencer Central and BANISH Suppressors Director of Engineering, said the solution is the most important part. “Really the biggest mistake we see when it comes to cleaning one of the printed suppressors is what solution they use,” he said. “The wrong one could damage the Cerakote coating if it's too aggressive or etch the metal if it’s really aggressive.”
The author's BANISH 9K, soaking in a glass mug filled with cleaning solvent. Be sure to use a suppressor-safe solvent, and let sit for 24 hours. Photo by Derrek Sigler.
The main reason we like the Breakthrough Clean Technologies Suppressor Cleaner Solution so much is simple. It is a water-based and ammonia-free cleaner that removes heavy carbon and lead deposits. It uses that company’s proprietary blend of chemical surfactants and detergents, so we can’t say exactly what’s in it, but it does a great job and has impressed our team.
If you don't have a proper cleaning solvent, you can use a mixture off fish soap and warm water. It won't do as good of a job, but can make a difference in a pinch.
No ultra sonic cleaner? No problem.
While an ultra-sonic cleaner is best and will save you the most time, you don’t need it to get a clean suppressor. Simply take the suppressor and fully fill it with cleaning solution. Then you will submerge it fully in a solvent cleaning solution and allow it to sit for 24 hours, VanLaecken said. After the 24-hour soak, pull the can out and completely empty it. You will then need to allow it to dry completely. The next part is the fun part. Take it out and shoot a few rounds to remove any loosened carbon build up inside the suppressor.
For a traditionally shaped suppressor, like the BANISH 9K, the easiest way to go about cleaning it would be to use the Breakthrough Clean Technologies Suppressor Cleaning Kit. It comes with the cleaning solution and a soaking tube to set the can in. There is a stand and some brushes to help you do some cleaning before letting it dry.
Granted, this kit wouldn't work for suppressors that aren't traditionally shaped, like the BANISH 12 Shotgun suppressor. You would need to find a proper way to submerge the can, but cleaning it is a very important step to keeping it performing as it should.
Why clean your suppressor?
The BANISH 12 shotgun suppressor is a printed silencer with intricate internal designs. It will need to be cleaned to keep working at optimal performance, but cleaning it is a simple soak, dry, fire technique.
You wouldn’t just keep shooting your gun without cleaning it, would you? No, and you shouldn’t do that to your silencer, either. By not cleaning it, there will be additional carbon build up which will increase the weight and eventually reduce the sound suppression effectiveness, VanLaecken said. If left too long, it can be very difficult to ever get it cleaned and could impact the lifespan of the suppressor.
It depends on the manufacturer if you can disassemble and service a suppressor made using 3D-printing techniques. With BANISH, you cannot, and have to use different methods to clean them.
You will get better results if you use a solvent to clean your suppressor, but in a pinch, soapy water using dish soap can help break up at least some of the build up.
A good rule to use is 24 hours of soaking, following by drawing and then letting it dry fully. You then shoot through it to loosen up and dislodge the build up.
We suggest looking for a cleaning solvent that is rated for suppressors. At the very least, make sure that it is safe for things like Cerekote, just to protect your finish.
This varies depending upon ammo and other conditions. Make it part of your regular maintenance routine for best performance. Keep an eye on carbon build-up inside the suppressor and set a time to do it. You will be glad you did.
Is it really that easy?
Yes, it really is that easy to clean a suppressor. These modern printed suppressors save weight by being constructed using additive manufacturing processes. Layers of metal are fused with a laser, creating the suppressor’s interna; and external parts simultaneously, making for a light and effective can. The downfall is, you can’t take it apart to clean it. By keeping it clean this way, you shouldn’t ever need to worry about your suppressor.
While many suppressors can be used on several different caliber firearms, we have some specific models that can make your shooting more enjoyable. Pick the caliber that you have in mind. If you don’t see your caliber, pick one close to it to see our recommendations.
