Ultimate Titanium Bike

[Calculus Bikes]

Topology optimised, 3D Printed, Titanium bike.

 

Look at the Bottom Bracket on this frame. But imagine the whole frame is designed and built in one piece without weld seams...

 

We are busy developing the technology to be able to do this, still some way to go but we will get there soon.

 

We are developing the machine to produce aerospace parts, but nothing prevents me from printing a new bike frame during the shakedown of the machine at full build volume 

Hi, are you at CSIR working on their laser sintering? 

We were there a couple of weeks ago investigating the possibility of using Ti lugs for our carbon bikes.  Impressive stuff!

[Calculus Bikes]

loving it

 

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

Such a nice bike, just too bad the water bottle spoils the picture.  I am assuming someone with a bike like yours picked it up next to the road and will dispose responsibly.

[Heel Drop]

Such a nice bike, just too bad the water bottle spoils the picture.  I am assuming someone with a bike like yours picked it up next to the road and will dispose responsibly.

I wont lie they are the better of all the bottles I owned to date - as is the seat Phenom

Not int he pic but currently on the bike

[Vetplant]

Hi, are you at CSIR working on their laser sintering? 

We were there a couple of weeks ago investigating the possibility of using Ti lugs for our carbon bikes.  Impressive stuff!

Jip, that's us.

 

Carte Blanche recorded some footage for a feature they are going to do on our project, it should air on Sunday the 20th of Aug or thereabouts. It should give you more insight into the tech and the effort that goes into developing the process.

[BattleScar]

Since you ask so nicely. . . .  one more thing. (But this is nitpicking) 

 

Many manufacturers make use of a flat-bar in the beginning of the drive-side chain-stay at the BB. Like the Kona Raijin or this Lynskey.

And while I understand 110% why they do it, wheel and chain-ring clearance,  it makes the visual symmetry of the frame ugly.  

http://blogimg.goo.ne.jp/user_image/09/63/00bf8e02605338f85114a9e3dbb24800.jpg

http://d2ydh70d4b5xgv.cloudfront.net/images/e/6/lynskey-ridgeline-29-titanium-mountain-bike-hardtail-frame-size-small-68mm-bb-0649fa10ca49c071831905df0a4b5634.jpg

 

Rather keep the chain-stays round tubes like on the Salsa Fargo  Ti or this version of the Vassago Optimus Ti. 

Visually it just looks more balanced and smart. 

(But that is just my opinion) 

http://salsacycles.com/files/bikes/_carousel_thumbnail/FM1722-fargo_640x360px.jpg

http://www.tirides.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/optimus.jpg

http://forums.mtbr.com/attachments/29er-bikes/776028d1361985523-just-got-see-new-vassago-ti-bike-optimus-bb.jpg

http://www.vassagocycles.com/picture/bbshell-sq.jpg?pictureId=17521382

And those TIG welds

[eddy]

Ek het sopas 'n klein blertjie gehad....

[Calculus Bikes]

And those TIG welds

Yes, there is nothing like a perfect beaded weld!  True eye-candy.

[Christie]

Topology optimised, 3D Printed, Titanium bike.

 

Look at the Bottom Bracket on this frame. But imagine the whole frame is designed and built in one piece without weld seams...

 

 

Imo the best application would be to use 3d printing to make ribs etc on the inside to make tubes that would not be otherwise possible.

For a frame, 3d printed lugs and tubes would be awesome. A whole frame in one go would be intdresting too, if cooling and support while printing can be controlled. (It would need some artistic input: see attached crank - impressive engineering, but not pretty enough for a lot of sales)

[Vetplant]

Imo the best application would be to use 3d printing to make ribs etc on the inside to make tubes that would not be otherwise possible.

For a frame, 3d printed lugs and tubes would be awesome. A whole frame in one go would be intdresting too, if cooling and support while printing can be controlled. (It would need some artistic input: see attached crank - impressive engineering, but not pretty enough for a lot of sales)

Jip, all your comments are spot on.

 

Economic considerations are also difficult to justify for mass market roll out. At around R6500 per kilogram for your base material cost it becomes a fairly expensive exercise.

 

But then again, I see 2nd hand bikes selling in the classifieds for R125k, so there will be somebody that will buy it, just not the average cyclist.

[Simon Kolin]

Please, please make sure you use a T47 Bottom Bracket. None of the Press-Fit nonsense.

[Vetplant]

Imo the best application would be to use 3d printing to make ribs etc on the inside to make tubes that would not be otherwise possible.

For a frame, 3d printed lugs and tubes would be awesome. A whole frame in one go would be intdresting too, if cooling and support while printing can be controlled. (It would need some artistic input: see attached crank - impressive engineering, but not pretty enough for a lot of sales)

One thing we haven't discussed yet is the one place where this process will definitely by valuable, space. I am still waiting for the team in the Cape to contact us to print something for their locally developed satellite

[dewaldsss]

Ti Carbon mix

Lugs are all 3D printed Titanium and joined with carbon tubes

Check out Bastion cycles on Instagram @bastioncycles

[Vetplant]

Ti Carbon mix

Lugs are all 3D printed Titanium and joined with carbon tubes

Check out Bastion cycles on Instagram @bastioncycles

Wowzers, very nively done with internal lattices!

[Shebeen]

One thing we haven't discussed yet is the one place where this process will definitely by valuable, space. I am still waiting for the team in the Cape to contact us to print something for their locally developed satellite

These guys? http://www.spaceteq.co.za/home/about/

 

No tweets for 3 years

[Vetplant]

These guys? http://www.spaceteq.co.za/home/about/

 

No tweets for 3 years

Them as well, but mainly the Space Advisory Company. I understand they launched a South African Sattelite a couple of month back.

 

(Wow, we are WAAAY off topic. Let's get back to the bikes)

[100Tours]

http://www.whycycles.com/our-bikes/rcycle/

 

 

http://www.bikepacking.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Why-Cycles-R-Plus_01.jpg