[Big 3 East] TDS Self Regulating 3D Printed Gas System

    At the last SHOT Show, Pete wrote an article about Thermal Defense Solutions (TDS) and their 3D Printed suppressors. They are here at Big 3 East with a selection of their 3D printed inconel suppressors as well as their self regulating AR 3D printed gas system.

    The 3D printed gas system is a sort of a modified piston system. The gas block has two chambers for the gas to expand inside. The gas key has a piston attached to it.

    Underneath the 3D printed gas system piston is a small opening. The piston is hollow. Gas can expand into the hollow gas tube/piston. However once the bolt starts to move backwards, the piston rod also moved back closing off the hole inside. Gas can continue to push on the front of the piston since it is flat and solid. This way only the right amount of gas will enter the piston rod and whatever is left over will help push the front of the piston.

    The benefit to this is little to no gas to the face. The gases escape out into the ejection port or out the front of the barrel.

    Here is a brief explanation of how this system works.

    Below you can see the gas system. They cut away the Unique AR handguard so you can see the gas system. Obviously do not shoot thumb over bore and touch the gas tube.

    close up of the 3D printed gas system installed on an AR


    TDS also brought along their 3D printed suppressors. The design has changed a bit. Below is their original texture design. Due to possible infringement, they changed the design as seen further down below.

    The ports in the front of the suppressor allow for control of noise and muzzle flash depending on their location and size.

    The can below is the the Bantam. It is a 5.56 suppressor that is only 1.25″ in diameter. MSRP is $689. It is 3D printed Inconel.

    As a teaser they showed off a 3D printed glock slide made out of inconel. It is a bit rough looking as this is a prototype and not a final product.

    I saw this on one of their AR15s. They said they used a .308 win casing. Milled it shorter and epoxied it into the forward assist port of the AR upper receiver.


    Nicholas C

    Steadicam Gun Operator
    Night Vision & Thermal Aficionado
    Flashlight/Laser Enthusiast
    USPSA competitor

    Any questions please email him at [email protected]