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Now, simply 'print' a cycle and pedal off
ANI | Mar 22, 2011, 07.43am IST
LONDON: A groundbreaking technology has enabled the world's first fully working bicycle to be created simply by printing it out on a computer. The bicycle, which is made of nylon, is the result of an extraordinary project and is as strong as steel and aluminum but weighs 65% less.
Scientists in Bristol designed the bike on a computer and sent it to a printer, which placed layers of melted nylon powder on top of each other to build up the machine. Individual components such as gears, pedals and wheels are usually made in different factories and assembled into a finished bike but the Airbike is a single, complete part. The wheels, bearings and axle are incorporated into the "growing" process, known as Additive Layer Manufacturing. The Airbike can be built to the rider's specification so requires no adjustment. It also requires no conventional maintenance or assembly.
The European Aeronautic Defence and Space group in Filton, near Bristol, made the cycle. The 3D printing method allows products to be made from a fine powder of nylon, carbon-reinforced plastics or metals such as titanium, steel or aluminum. The technology may be used in aerospace, the motor industry and engineering.
Source: Now, simply 'print' a cycle and pedal off - The Times of India
LONDON: A groundbreaking technology has enabled the world's first fully working bicycle to be created simply by printing it out on a computer. The bicycle, which is made of nylon, is the result of an extraordinary project and is as strong as steel and aluminum but weighs 65% less.
Scientists in Bristol designed the bike on a computer and sent it to a printer, which placed layers of melted nylon powder on top of each other to build up the machine. Individual components such as gears, pedals and wheels are usually made in different factories and assembled into a finished bike but the Airbike is a single, complete part. The wheels, bearings and axle are incorporated into the "growing" process, known as Additive Layer Manufacturing. The Airbike can be built to the rider's specification so requires no adjustment. It also requires no conventional maintenance or assembly.
The European Aeronautic Defence and Space group in Filton, near Bristol, made the cycle. The 3D printing method allows products to be made from a fine powder of nylon, carbon-reinforced plastics or metals such as titanium, steel or aluminum. The technology may be used in aerospace, the motor industry and engineering.
Source: Now, simply 'print' a cycle and pedal off - The Times of India
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