In sports activities like triathlon, what issues most is being the sooner. And although after all the athlete is basically answerable for the pace, excessive efficiency tools can also be paramount to going as quick as attainable. On account of this, corporations are continually searching for new improvements to enhance the options of their bikes, and 3D printing appears to be changing into an more and more in style expertise. One instance is with Pinarello, which made the BOLIDE F HR 3D, the world’s quickest bike that comes with 3D printed elements. Mythos and IXO have additionally collaborated to provide a brand new stem utilizing metallic additive manufacturing.
It’s now Kú Cycle’s flip to learn from 3D printing to fabricate its new product. The Netherlands-based firm goals to design a high-performance bicycle that’s completely suited to cyclists. It’s collaborating with QDP, an organization that designs plastic options for a lot of purposes. With the assistance of Carbon, Kú Cycle has now launched the Kú TF1, a custom-made triathlon bike.
The armrests, grips and shifter incorporate 3D printed elements (photograph credit: Carbon)
The Kú TF1 Is a Personalized Bike for Cyclists
You might have nearly actually already heard of Carbon. On the planet of sports activities, the 3D printer producer has already contributed to the creation of quite a few sports activities tools. Certainly, it has already 3D printed a baseball glove, the FutureCraft 4D in collaboration with adidas, and the world’s first discipline hockey helmet liner, amongst different tasks. For these causes, QDP contacted the corporate to fabricate the Kú TF1. Because it was searching for a approach to construct sooner whereas decreasing manufacturing prices, Carbon’s 3D printing resolution appeared to be the correct selection. Furthermore, QDP was capable of create sturdy lattice constructions through the use of the Carbon Design Engine software program.
When designing the Kú TF1, Kú Cycle and QDP wished to create a {custom} bike which was completely adjusted for the consolation of the bicycle owner whereas nonetheless bettering efficiency. The companions subsequently targeted on the handles and armrests. These units needed to be each inflexible to make sure management of the bike and cozy for the rider. Quite a few exams have been carried out, and in the long run the EPU 41 materials from Carbon was chosen. This materials not solely met all the necessities, but in addition may resist sweat, a key issue when racing.
Within the last bike, a variety of elements have been printed together with arm pads and lattice grips, as seen within the photograph above (photograph credit: Carbon)
In the meantime, for the bike’s gearshift, EPX 82 was chosen. Primarily based on the shopper’s suggestions, QDP tailor-made the printed half to be as correct as attainable for the bicycle owner. With Carbon’s 3D printing resolution, Kú Cycle and QDP have been capable of produce a prototype in a single month, in comparison with a number of months with a conventional manufacturing approach. No figures got, however the additive manufacturing expertise additionally helped reduce prices.
Because the launch of the Kú TF1, a number of Ironman and triathlon world champions have been capable of attempt it out, and in keeping with Carbon, the suggestions is passable. Over the following 12 to 18 months, Kú Cycle is seeking to produce between 500 and 1,000 bikes. For extra data on the Kú TF1, click on HERE.
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*Cowl Picture Credit: Carbon