April 9, 2014
We've seen a few examples of 3D printing in the bicycle industry and and the possibilities that it could hold for the future. Back in January, 2014, Flying Machine, a small company based in Perth, Australia, revealed a titanium bike that features eight titanium "lugs" printed by the CSIRO (Commonwealth Science and Industrial Research Organisation), using its $1.3 million 3D printer.
The lugs - small metallic components that join the tubular frame of the bike - are the first 3D-printed parts to feature on a bicycle in Australia. Using EBM (Electron beam melting) technique the 3D printer melts layers of titanium powder to produce a fully dense titanium structure with the same strength as a forged or cast product.
Today CSIRO revealed that a highly anticipated 3D printed bike, dubbed prototype #2, was delivered. In collobration with Flying Machine, designer Sam Froud came up with another 3D printed bike. Same as prototype #1, the lugs of the bike were designed and 3D-printed out of titanium at CSIRO's Melbourne additive manufacturing facility Lab 22.
"3D printing enables us to change each lug fractionally, creating infinite flexibility so that all bikes can have a geometry tailored for each individual's size and riding style." said Flying Machines owner Matthew Andrew.
To create this "bike of the future" Flying Machine used a hybrid of innovative and traditional bicycle manufacturing methods. The personalized geometry provided by 3D printing technology is used to create the titanium frame tubes which are connected by lugs. Lugged frame bicycles were once on the outs in bike making due to limitations with variation in geometry. But 3D printing may revive the lugged-framed bicycle as the technology allows the geometry of all bikes to be customized.
The new bike is "light, stiff, fast and extremely comfortable". Check out the video below that Sam talks about his new bike and watch his first ride.
The company Flying Machines sees itself as a creative hub at the intersection of science and art. They emphasize the importance of creativity, beauty, and innovation in their bicycle designs – as well as efficiency. Flying Machines is interested in the accuracy, low waste, and low invested energy provided by 3D printing – as well as its "green potential."
Flying Machine says the bike parts took only 10 days to produce and ship, compared to 10 weeks for more conventional parts. Now, anyone can own a 3D printed bicycle, made to fit their exact measurements and riding style. Flying Machine plans to begin incorporating the parts across its range of bikes, with prices starting at about $2800.
Images credit: CSIRO
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
Maybe you also like:
- Interview with Gael Langevin from the InMoov Robot
- The Dragonbite, a stylish 3D printed stylus
- Students build 3D printed mobile mini-house
- Create a 360° video shot using 6 GoPro cameras and 3D printing
- Stanford researchers creating organ models using 3D printing
- A new D.I.Y. idea changes the usage of everyday objects using 3D printing
- This awesome 3D printed YoYo sets itself apart from the rest
- 3D printed bath tub wine glass holder campaign a huge success
- Enrico Dini 3D printing coral reefs to prevent coastal erosion
- 3D printed Column as a symbol for new architectural possibilities
- 3D Printed 'House' created by artist Ioan Florea premieres in New York
3Ders.org provides the latest news about 3D printing technology and 3D printers. We are now seven years old and have around 1.5 million unique visitors per month.
