While manufacturers have printed minor bike components before, this new project is the first to create a complete mountain bike frame. Based on Empire Cycle’s MX6 design, Renishaw printed the frame in a number of segments and bonded them together to assemble the bike’s geometry.
Printed in a lightweight, strong and durable titanium alloy, the bike also underwent a “topological optimization” process which helped Empire refine the geometry of their frame and decrease material use.
By using additive manufacturing the MX6 saw a marked decrease in weight. In fact, while the original bike frame weighed 2.1 kg, its 3D printed cousin was slimmed down to 1.4kg - a 33% reduction. What’s more, because Empire’s frame was 3D printed analysis showed it to be denser and stronger than a traditionally cast frame.
To round out their examination of the frame, and prove that it’s truly trail ready, Renishaw employed strict European Standards testing.
In the near future testing will continue on other parts of the bike including live, mountainside testing in partnership with Swansea University.
If everything checks out, Empire Cycle’s collaboration with Renishaw might just lead to greater integration of AM technology with bike manufacturing. A union which could help spur on the creation of more robust frame designs, pushing the limits of what bikes and their riders can achieve.
Images Courtesy of Renishaw