THE CHALLENGE
Möve recognized the constraints of the industry, such as majority of manual work in conventional frame construction, high tool costs for high standardized bicycles and (e-)bikes frames, incorrect estimated annual bicycle´s frame volume resulting in sales reduction, and composite fiber frames wasted.
The goal of being as cost effective as a bicycle frame made in Asia, with an innovative technology that brings back manufacturing jobs to central Europe, combined with a performance target of a carbon frame, were for sure the major challenges to cope with. During the development phase, the sourcing of oval-shaped, low tolerance titanium tubes seemed to be a major issue, both financially and time-related. In order to receive the hydroformed tubes, the necessary tools would have needed to be developed and produced, which had the possibility of ending the project before it had finally taken off.
THE SOLUTION
After identifying the initial challenges, the first design for additively manufactured connectors between the tubes was created. While reducing the amount of material to a minimum, Möve found Eplus3D to be the best partner, offering the most advanced printing parameters, know-how and design support, resulting in a reasonable price per part. At this point, the Engineer Tobias Spröte saw the full potential and transformative benefits of Metal AM as the next step in building the world's first 3D printed titanium bike frame. As a result, and after combined engineering work from all parties, Möve concluded that Metal Powder Bed Fusion (MPBF™) 3D printing technology, combined with the use of high strength Ti6Al4V material was the only one capable to meet their stated design, performance and cost requirements to produce the lugs for the bicycle.
Discover more: https://www.eplus3d.com/metal-additive-manufacturing-faster-innovation-for-the-bicycle-industry.html
