This is quoted from http://forums.canadiancontent.net/science-environment/99102-world-first-entire-working-bicycle.html .
World first as entire working bicycle is made using 3D printer
Mar 20th, 2011
A bicycle is the first in the world to be made by printing it out on a computer.
The Airbike is made of nylon, is as strong as steel and aluminium but weighs 65 per cent less.
The bike is the creation of British scientists at the
European Aeronautic Defence and Space group (EADS) in Filton, near
Bristol who designed the bike on a computer and sent it to a printer,
which placed layers of melted nylon powder on top of each other to
build-up the machine.
Individual components such as gears, pedals and wheels
are usually manufactured elsewhere in different factories. However, the
Airbike is a single, complete part.
Robin Southwell, chief executive of EADS UK, said: 'The Airbike is a fantastic example of British innovation at its very best."
Go on, print me a bike! The technology that enables a computer to run off a full-working cycle
By Daily Mail Reporter
20th March 2011
Daily Mail
This bicycle is the first in the world to be created
simply by printing it out on a computer, using groundbreaking new
technology.
The fully-working cycle, which is made of nylon, is the
result of an extraordinary project and is as strong as steel and
aluminium but weighs 65 per cent less.
Scientists in Bristol designed the bike on a computer and
sent it to a printer, which placed layers of melted nylon powder on top
of each other to build-up the machine.
Let's ride: The fully-working cycle, which is made of
nylon, is the result of an extraordinary project and is as strong as
steel and aluminium but weighs 65 per cent less
On the move: Scientists designed the bike on a
computer and sent it to a printer, which placed layers of melted nylon
powder on top of each other to build-up the machine
Individual components such as gears, pedals and wheels
are usually made in different factories and assembled into a finished
bike but the Airbike is a single, complete part.
The wheels, bearings and axle are incorporated into the 'growing' process, known as Additive Layer Manufacturing.
The Airbike can be built to the rider's own specification
so requires no adjustment. It also requires no conventional maintenance
or assembly.
It is made by the European Aeronautic Defence and Space
group in Filton, near Bristol, The 3D printing method allows products to
be made from a fine powder of nylon, carbon-reinforced plastics or
metals such as titanium, stainless steel or aluminium.
They are drawn using computer-aided design and then sent to a printer, which is filled with the powdered material.
A computer splits the 3D design into many 2D layers and a
laser beam is used to melt the powder material into the first of the
layers.
This is then covered by a new layer of powder and the process is repeated with the next 'slice'.
The manufacturing process uses about one-tenth of the material required in traditional methods, reducing waste.
The technology is likely to be used in industrial applications such as aerospace, the motor industry and engineering.
Lead engineer Andy Hawkins said: 'The possibilities with ALM are huge - it's a game-changing technology.
'The beauty is that complex designs do not cost any extra to produce. The laser can draw any shape you like.
'Many unique design features have been incorporated into
the Airbike, such as saddle cushioning or the integrated bearings
encased within the hubs.'
Robin Southwell, chief executive of EADS UK, said: 'The Airbike is a fantastic example of British innovation at its very best.
'The team at EADS in Bristol includes world-class
engineers who continue to push boundaries by working at the forefront of
technology.'
dailymail.co.uk
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