PHOTO: Hexcel Corporation has helped produce what it says is the world’s first 3D-printed commuter bike, using Hexcel carbon fibre
HEXCEL Corporation has helped produce what it says is the world’s first 3D-printed commuter bike, using Hexcel carbon fibre.
The bicycle has a new design involving the removal of a seat stay between the seat and back wheel, adding strength and simplicity.
While other 3D printers typically print in two dimensions on a stacked horizontal plane, 3D printing company Arevo’s robotic arm makes all axes available, giving more design freedom, according to Hexcel.
Arevo is using the bike to demonstrate its technology, which could be used to produce lightweight parts with improved strength for applications where designers want to make carbon fibre parts but are hesitant due to the high cost and labour-intensive process of making them.
“With companies like Hexcel as partners, we are certain that we have the technology, team and tools in place to commercialize our software and fabrication process to build high strength parts that the manufacturing industry hasn’t been able to conceive and construct before,” said Arevo CEO Jim Miller.
The 3D printing company has secured financing to build on the full-scale commercialization of its technology for a range of industries such as aerospace, defence, transportation, automotive, consumer electronics, sporting goods, medical, and oil and gas.