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Customize your own bike with high-performance wire
In a recent breakthrough, the renowned 3D printing material supplier colorFabb has unveiled a high-performance 3D printed wire called XT-CF20, made from a copolyester base and infused with over 20% carbon fiber. This innovative filament boasts exceptional rigidity, dimensional stability, and heat resistance, making it ideal for advanced applications.
To showcase the capabilities of 3D printed materials, the colorFabb team took an ambitious approach by using a standard desktop 3D printer and XT-CF20 to create a fully functional bicycle. While the frame, wheels, and drivetrain were 3D printed, some components were still manufactured traditionally to ensure reliability and performance.
The entire bike was designed using SOLIDWORKS software and then printed on an Ultimaker Original Plus. Once assembled, an intern from the design team, Stephen Schürmann, tested the bike in a real-world setting, proving its practicality and strength.
"This concept bike demonstrates that a racing bike can now be built using a common 3D printer and advanced composite materials," the colorFabb team stated. "Our goal was to create a real, usable bicycle that people can ride in everyday situations. We want to inspire engineers and show them what 3D printing is capable of today."
The XT-CF20 filament was specifically chosen for its excellent stiffness-to-elongation ratio, making it perfect for structural parts. The bike's weight meets competitive cycling standards, and its frame is incredibly strong, proving the material’s potential in demanding environments.
"The focus of this experiment was on 3D printing parts that can carry mechanical loads," the team explained. Due to time constraints, they opted to print connectors and then assemble them with tubing rather than printing the entire bike.
For those interested in trying this themselves, colorFabb recommends using alternative materials like carbon fiber, titanium, aluminum, or bamboo for additional strength and customization. Most mainstream 3D printers, such as MakerBot and Ultimaker, can handle the required parts, and the team has already validated their designs through finite element analysis.
Most importantly, the team has actually ridden the bike, confirming its real-world usability. "This is a new era," said Schürmann. "Soon, anyone can 3D print their own bicycle frame at home. With just basic SOLIDWORKS skills, you can create a custom bike tailored to your body and riding style."
He also mentioned that many free design files are available online in 3D model libraries, making it easier than ever for enthusiasts to get started. This project not only highlights the power of 3D printing but also opens up new possibilities for personalized, high-performance bicycles.