The Future of Bike Building Could Be in 3D Printing

[unhappycamper]

http://bostinno.streetwise.co/2015/08/04/best-bike-shop-boston-3d-printing-bicycles/



James Novak with his 3D Printed Bike

The Future of Bike Building Could Be in 3D Printing
Nick DeLuca - Staff Writer
08/04/15 @12:00pm in City New

When it comes to 3D printing, future possibilities abound. Considering the hardware, software and various material types that facilitate the entire printing process, it seems that any sector or industry or demographic could easily take advantage. Not excluded from this: bicycling.

Take my bike, for example. An old Schwinn from sometime between the late 1970s-early 1980s, its frame and wheels are made of heavy metal that takes a toll when having to be carried up the stairs in 80-plus-percent humidity.

But with knowledge gained on best 3D printing practices in the last few years alone, and the foresight to determine how best to chart a future course for printing innovations, anyone – not just designers or engineers – can build items that are lightweight and efficient.

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It took Novak about 150 hours to manually build out his design using CAD but the most laborious chore was actually understanding the limitations of a 3D printer and how he could make the strongest and lightest possible bike frame.