www.3ders.org

Apr. 16, 2015 | By Simon

It’s not very often when we hear about 3D printed bicycle components that aren’t just fancy connector joints for connecting pieces of bamboo or other upcycled material together.  Between the combination of load bearing, aesthetics and function, it’s easy to overlook the complications that go into the design and manufacturing of these two-wheeled vehicles.  

Recently, DMM Akiba - a Japanese-based Maker hub - teamed up with design studio the Triple Bottom Line and focused their efforts on creating the world’s first viable road bike that is technology proven and made from SLS titanium sintering, the DFM01.  The first prototype of the DFM01 was unveiled earlier this week at the Milan Salone in Milan, Italy, which is the world’s largest annual international furniture and design fair.  

Among other benefits of using this new process for manufacturing bikes include the ability to tailor each bicycle specifically to the needs of each rider while maintaining the same weight as existing top-of-the-line full carbon fiber bicycles.  In many cases - depending on the rider - the customization process could theoretically allow the designers to shave even more weight off of the bicycle if it isn’t needed.   Among those involved in bringing the concept to life include industrial designer Mr. Goshi Yanagisawa, who had previously worked with UK-based industrial designer Ross Lovegrove on a variety of other projects.  

Among other goals involved with creating the DFM01 was to prove that additive manufacturing technologies can indeed be used to make a racing-quality bicycle.  To begin the process of building the prototype, the head cluster and bottom bracket were produced first in order to ensure that they could meet industry standards and strength tests.    

This road bike weighs in at 15lbs (7kg), including the tires. In addition to designing the customizable lightweight bicycle itself, the designers also designed a system that automatically generates frame geometry based on an individual’s physique.  Meaning, if you stood 5 feet, 3 inches tall and weighed 100 lbs, then the system would generate all of the 3D printable parts based on your body size.  The same could be said about nearly any other body type and size including existing professional racers who require the most demanding of customizations.  Additionally, the designers are working on expanding the accessories for the bike to include a smartphone mount and various sensor modules to further expand the capabilities of the riding experience.    

While the bicycle is currently in a prototype stage right now, the designers are hoping to launch a commercial product in the near future and have estimated that the price for each custom bicycle will be from 500,000 to 700,000 yen ($4000-$6000) - which is comparable to many carbon frames in the same class of bicycle.   

Posted in 3D Printing Applications

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