Latest revision as of 19:09, 8 February 2019

Entire Frame, Direct Print

Average bike frame weight - 5 lb for non-composite frames
To get same strength, 50 lb plastic frame would have to be printed (PC plastic is 1/10th the strength of steel). However, this can be optimized by making wider tube sections for more strength.
What is a geometry that would work if we print a 100% polycarbonate frame? Calculations would have to be done.
Is there any Open Source Bike CAD?

Idea is to print a full skeleton, then put epoxy + fiberglass on top. Thus, the 3D printing only makes the form quick.
This would be labor intensive but much less so than starting from scratch.
Advantage of 3D printing 100% is that the labor requirement is much lower. The weight will be larger because nothing beats the strength of fibers.

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 *Average bike frame weight - 5 lb for non-composite frames
 *To get same strength, 50 lb plastic frame would have to be printed (PC plastic is 1/10th the strength of steel). However, this can be optimized by making wider tube sections for more strength.
+*What is a geometry that would work if we print a 100% polycarbonate frame? Calculations would have to be done.
+*Is there any [[Open Source Bike CAD]]?
+=Hybrid Version=
+*Idea is to print a full skeleton, then put epoxy + fiberglass on top. Thus, the 3D printing only makes the form quick.
+*This would be labor intensive but much less so than starting from scratch.
+*Advantage of 3D printing 100% is that the labor requirement is much lower. The weight will be larger because nothing beats the strength of fibers.
 =Examples=
 *Just joints - [[http://www.3ders.org/articles/20151005-dutch-students-start-project-for-developing-the-first-ever-diy-3d-printed-bicycle-obi.html]]