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Graphite Additive Manufacturing explains how superior supplies and manufacturing methods, initially honed in motorsport, are actually getting used within the motorbike world
Know-how developed within the pursuit of lap time beneficial properties can have a major influence when utilized to different industries. Graphite Additive Manufacturing, an organization with a background in 3D printing elements for motorsport, has embraced such alternatives via its work supporting Langen Bikes, a British low-volume producer.
On the planet of bespoke bikes such because the Langen Two Stroke, the place craftsmanship and efficiency are paramount, 3D printing has revolutionised low-volume manufacturing. Graphite Additive Manufacturing has produced key elements for the Langen Two Stroke, together with throttle cable retainers, chain guides, gas tank cowl mesh, stomach pan mesh and brackets. These components have been made utilizing Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) PA12, with vapor smoothing to make sure a glossy, waterproof end.
Some great benefits of 3D printing for such a low-volume, bespoke manufacturing are substantial when in comparison with conventional strategies like composites and injection moulding.
Value Effectivity in Low-Quantity Runs
A serious good thing about 3D printing is the flexibility to supply cost-effective components in low volumes. Conventional strategies corresponding to injection moulding require costly tooling, which may solely be justified for high-volume manufacturing runs. For smaller runs, corresponding to these required for customized bikes just like the Langen, 3D printing eliminates the necessity for expensive moulds, permitting for on-demand manufacturing with out excessive upfront prices.
Supplies corresponding to PA12 present wonderful mechanical properties at a cheaper price in comparison with composites, making them superb for purposeful, bespoke elements. Moreover, 3D printing generates much less materials waste in comparison with conventional subtractive manufacturing, additional decreasing prices and selling sustainability.
Design Freedom and Complexity
3D printing affords unparalleled design freedom. Not like injection moulding, which is constrained by tooling and half geometries, 3D printing permits for extremely intricate and natural shapes that may be unattainable to create utilizing conventional strategies. That is notably helpful for high-performance bikes, the place each element could be optimised for perform, weight, and aerodynamics.
For the Langen Two Stroke, this meant we may produce light-weight, purposeful components with complicated designs that couldn’t be achieved with injection moulding, contributing to the bike’s total efficiency and agility.
Fast Prototyping and Iteration
One other vital benefit of 3D printing is its skill to allow speedy prototyping and iteration. Conventional manufacturing strategies can take weeks and even months to supply prototypes, however with 3D printing, elements could be designed, produced, and examined in a matter of days.
This permits for quicker design iterations, enhancing the ultimate product with out lengthy lead occasions. For a quick-moving business like motorsport, this agility is essential. Prototypes could be printed and examined shortly, permitting for real-time design enhancements earlier than remaining manufacturing begins, making certain that every half is optimised for efficiency and reliability.
Conclusion
3D printing has reworked low-volume manufacturing in industries like high-performance motorcycling. It affords vital price financial savings, design flexibility, and the flexibility to quickly iterate prototypes.
At Graphite Additive Manufacturing, we’re proud to be part of this transformation, producing high-quality, bespoke components that not solely meet however exceed the calls for of contemporary engineering. For tasks just like the Langen Two Stroke, 3D printing isn’t simply a substitute for conventional strategies – it’s the way forward for bespoke manufacturing.
Testimonial from Christofer Ratcliffe, Founding father of Langen Bikes:
‘The design group at Langen have totally loved working with Graphite Additive Manufacturing. Graphite persistently supplies a great supply of information, figuring out a fabric and course of answer which permits all of our, typically demanding, technical and aesthetic aspirations to be achieved.’
To search out out extra, please go to the Graphite Additive Manufacturing web site.
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