There have been many makes use of of 3D printing on the MADE present, however maybe none that jumped out as a lot as the newest creation from TBD Bikes. That’s the identify of the corporate that Dylan Banera is sticking to, with a concentrate on 3D printed bicycle designs.
If that identify sounds acquainted, that’s possible as a result of we simply coated Dylan’s work earlier this yr at Sea Otter. On the time, Dylan tells us that the brand new bike on show on the MADE present wasn’t even within the works. Dylan was capable of design a motorcycle body, get these design information printed in China, after which get the bike assembled, all in time for MADE. That’s a fairly eye-opening demonstration of how shortly a motorcycle can go from idea to completed prototype with the usage of 3D printing.
In comparison with his final body, which was an unridable proof-of-concept, Dylan needed to create a body that was rideable. So as a substitute of carbon tubes bonded to Nylon 12 lugs, the brand new bike is nearly utterly 3D printed from aluminum.
There’s rather a lot occurring with the design, however probably the most hanging components are possible the top tube and backside bracket space, each of which had been created using AI-based design software program. In keeping with Dylan, he merely needed to check out the function after exploring it in his design software program.
The result’s a backside bracket meeting that vaguely resembles a human pelvis, full with a shelf meant so as to add stress for a bel-drive setup. There doesn’t appear to be a break up within the body to permit for belt use, so it’s unlikely to be utilized.
Earlier than sending off the information to be printed in steel, Dylan printed sections out of plastic to ensure they’d work.
The opposite attention-grabbing design function is the usage of TPMS or Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces for the tubing, which Dylan admits is method overkill for the supposed goal. These steady, interconnected surfaces are nice for warmth exchangers and the like as a result of a excessive floor space and structural effectivity, however most likely not crucial when a hole tube would suffice. However they give the impression of being cool.
If that wasn’t sufficient for the typical teenager, Dylan can also be engaged on a body that can make the most of absolutely 3D-machined and bonded to carbon tubes for one more rideable bike.
TBDbikes.com
