Summary Reader Response Draft 4

According to the article 'Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame' from Autodesk Instructables, (Androole, 2012), the purpose of a Custom 3D printed carbon fiber bike frame is to give people an option to create their own. This allows them to customize the design of their bike frame according to whatever they prefer to give it an “unparalleled design flexibility” while being cost-efficient, (Androole, 2012, paragraph 7).

As androole stated, the process takes advantage of the growing availability and affordability of CAD and 3D printing to allow people to build themselves a unique custom bicycle with unparalleled design flexibility, (2023). Carbon fiber is a superior material for creating bike frames due to its cost-effectiveness and availability, efficiency, and flexibility. Customization is possible using 3D printing, allowing for added features such as comfort, stiffness, and high strength-to-weight ratio. According to Androole, since the tubes are bonded together with epoxy and carbon fiber, people can use whatever material they’d like for the tubing – aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, titanium, or bamboo, (2023). This encourages people to be creative with their designs. The custom 3D printed carbon fiber bike frame consists of three components: tubes, 3D printed joints, and outer reinforcement made of epoxy and carbon fiber. BikeCAD generates geometries for alternate frame designs. CAD software creates 3D models for printing, with components adjusted for assembly. A mold is necessary for injecting carbon fiber and epoxy to complete the process.

While most bicycle frames are made from aluminum, steel and titanium, they are not a good option if people are looking for a material that can be adjusted to suit their needs, especially when it comes to creating their own bike frame using the software and tools that are currently at their disposal.  As such, carbon fiber is a recommended material option as it is popular with many bike enthusiasts due to its flexible and highly adaptive properties in creating a bike frame according to what its user wants. Not only does it assist with comfortability, but it is also durable in terms of environmental conditions and impact resistance.

For both competitive and noncompetitive riders, the main benefit of a carbon fiber bike frame is comfortability. Carbon fiber can be used to make a frame that’s extremely light and extremely stiff, with the option to wrap the carbon into complex, aerodynamic tube shapes, while still considering ride quality using aerodynamic tube shapes that are made by using carbon fiber. Unlike aluminum, carbon fiber has vibration damping qualities that provides a smoother ride to its users, (Reid Cycles, 2020). It is a highly adaptable material that can be shaped and fine-tuned to precise requirements, balancing stiffness, comfort and aerodynamic performance, (Norman, 2021).

Carbon fiber frames can be designed to meet specific demands of its user as it curates the properties of each part of the frame, (Norman, 2021). The fibrous nature of the material allows frame builders to adjust stiffness and compliance by aligning the carbon layers in varying ways, (wheretheroadfork, 2022). Not only can its durability be altered, but it has been lab tested to outperform alloys, especially in good impact resistance. Impact is not the only aspect that it is resistant to. Carbon fiber is considered an inert material; thus it is not susceptible to chemical corrosion or salt damage, (Reid Cycles,11 February, 2020). It survives the most severe environmental conditions like humidity, rainfall, radiation, chemical exposure, and more, (Composites Construction UK, 2022).

While Carbon fiber has its many advantages, that does not mean it doesn't come with its own set of flaws. Though carbon fiber frames can be easily damaged in areas such as quick-release dropouts, they are not the only source of damage to the frames. Bangs and bashes can also cause damage to the interior of frame tubes, which may not be visible from the exterior and can cause a frame to break unexpectedly. Therefore, an ultrasound or X-ray inspection may be necessary to detect any internal damage to the frame tubes. (Norman, 2021). Unfortunately, another one of carbon fiber’s drawbacks is that it is not sustainable for the environment as it takes a lot of energy to manufacture and is not biodegradable. Most carbon fibers are difficult to recycle and repurpose, especially since they cannot be melted down and used to make new products or items, (CCUK, 2022)

It goes without saying that Carbon fiber is a material that is versatile in providing consumers the opportunity to create a useful Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame that suits their requirements and needs. However, consumers must be wary when it comes to taking care of their bike frames as it will be difficult for them to repair the damage inflicted on them. All in all, carbon fiber is a reasonable choice when it comes to selecting a material for a bike frame.

Reference List

Androole (n.d.). Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame. Autodesk Instructables. https://www.instructables.com/Custom-3D-Printed-Carbon-Fiber-Bike-Frame/

Composites Construction UK (2022, February 1). Is carbon fibre a sustainable material for strengthening buildings and structures? Composites Construction UK.

https://www.fibrwrap-ccuk.com/carbon-fibre-strengthening/is-carbon-fibre-a-sustainable-material-for-strengthening-buildings-and-structures/#:~:text=Carbon%20fibre%20is%20not%20currently,make%20new%20products%20or%20items.

Composites Construction UK (2021, July 15). Carbon fiber reinforced polymer pros and cons. Composites Construction UK. https://www.fibrwrap-ccuk.com/blog/carbon-fibre-reinforced-polymer-pros-cons/

Paul Norman (2021, November 8). Bike frame materials explained: carbon vs aluminum vs steel vs titanium. Bike Radar. https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/bike-frame-materials/

Reid Cycles (n.d.). 5 Benefits of a Carbon Fibre Bike. Reid Cycles. https://www.reidcycles.com.au/blogs/news/5-benefits-of-a-carbon-fibre-bike

Wheretheroadforks (November 23, 2022). Carbon vs aluminum bike frame: Pros and cons. Wheretheroadforks. https://wheretheroadforks.com/carbon-vs-aluminum-bike-frame-pros-and-cons/

Learning Portfolio

Module Learning

At the beginning of the Critical Thinking and Communicating module, I had one primary objective in mind: to improve my ability to communicate with others. However, as the course progressed, I came to realize that it offered much more than I had anticipated. I gained a deeper understanding of the intricacies of Critical Thinking and Communication, which has been invaluable to me.

Initially, I underestimated the module and overestimated my abilities. But, with the help of Professor Blackstone, I was able to unlearn my old habits and develop new skills. Two of the most valuable skills I learned were communicating effectively with my team and presenting without a script. I have always struggled with communicating with others due to my anxiety around people. The thought of delivering a presentation in front of an audience made me even more anxious. However, Professor Blackstone helped me create an environment where I could express my thoughts and concerns without fear of judgment. His classes instilled a great deal of confidence in me, which allowed me to concentrate on the task at hand. Through reading and consulting the instructional units in the Google Drive provided by Professor Blackstone, I gained a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively structure a summary reader response by utilizing the skills of ethical paraphrasing, summarizing, and citing sources.

I have come to realize that to improve my communication and critical thinking skills, I need to gather and analyze relevant information objectively by questioning assumptions, examining key aspects, and narrowing down possible solutions. It's essential to not only identify the ideal solution but also to explain it clearly and understandably. I can demonstrate my use of critical thinking by providing supporting evidence to strengthen my argument and further improve my skills.

Overall, the Critical Thinking and Communicating module has been an eye-opening experience that has provided me with the tools I need to be an effective communicator and critical thinker. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have taken this course, and I look forward to applying what I've learned in my personal and professional life.

Project Learning

At the start of the project, I had reservations about myself and the team's ability to work together as we were all strangers. However, we quickly got to know each other, and eventually, we understood what we needed to do for the report. We decided to focus on edible food containers as our manufacturing technology or process design and proposed modifications for improvement and innovation.

This project provided me with crucial insights into presenting, writing, and teamwork. I learned that working collaboratively in a team can be both enjoyable and challenging, requiring us to support each other and bring out the best in everyone. Initially, I believed that working in a team would be a disadvantage as it would require us to spend extra time outside of class to plan and execute the report. However, this experience taught me that collaborating with others can result in better outcomes than working alone. I discovered that working in a team can lead to a more comprehensive and thoughtful end product because of the diverse perspectives and approaches that each team member brings to the table.

Through this project, I also developed a sense of accountability and motivation to contribute my best effort to the group. The research aspect of the project was particularly enlightening, as it introduced me to the practicality of edible food products and their value. Overall, this project was a valuable learning experience that taught me the importance of teamwork and how it can benefit both me and the group as a whole. It has made me realize that working with others can expand my knowledge and provide me with the opportunity to learn from other people's experiences. Additionally, teamwork has taught me how to communicate effectively with others and respect other people's opinions, which is a valuable life skill in any profession.

Final Report Summary

 

1.1.3 History of edible food packaging 

Edible packaging was used in the production of sausages, preserving meat by stuffing it in animal intestines, a process developed by Sumerians in Mesopotamia around 3000 B.C., and by Chinese settlers in China around 580 B.C. Wax was used in citrus fruits to prevent moisture loss and to promote a shiny surface in China around the 12th century. This type of packaging can be produced from bioproducts, e.g., polysaccharides, proteins, lipids, or biocomposites, that are biodegradable, biocompatible, and recyclable and of renewable origin. A particular type of edible thin film made from the skin of boiled soy milk was used in Japan during the 15th century to cover different foods. During the 16th century in China and Europe, animal grease (lard) and wax were used to coat fruits and other food products for their conservation and later consumption. And later, back in the 19th century, a coating made from gelatin was patented by the USA and used in meat products. As synthetic plastics dominated the packaging market after WWII, the use of edible resources for packaging was left behind until recently.

Figure 4

Photo of Women Cleaning Casings at Swift Company Packing House, Chicago, IL

Note: Library of Congress Digital Collection, Reproduction no. LC-USZ62-50217. The worst, filthiest and smelliest work was cleaning animal intestines to be used as sausage casings.

2.1 Biscuit containers lined with seaweed (Proposed Solution)

Biscuit containers are currently unable to store liquid-based foods due to their moisture-absorbing nature. To address the issue, seaweed is being considered as a viable option to assist in eliminating this concern. Seaweed possesses properties that make it ideal for food packaging, including its natural moisture, thermal and oxygen resistance, which helps preserve food freshness, quality and extends food shelf life. It can also be processed into films or coatings that can be used to wrap or cover various food products using different methods such as grinding, blending, or extrusion. The natural polysaccharides obtained from seaweeds such as alginates, carrageenan, ulvans, fucoidans, and laminarins are enormously significant in the film-forming ability of seaweeds. The texture and strength of seaweed packaging can vary, making it a versatile packaging option for various food items like sushi, sandwiches, and fruits, and can be tailored to suit different shapes and sizes.

Some companies such as Sway and Evoware, make seaweed-based packaging an alternative to plastics. Sway produces eco-friendly seaweed-based packaging as a substitute for plastic, with $2.5 million in funding from Valor Siren Ventures. They aim to create two compostable products, including retail and polybags, which are durable, non-toxic, and have a carbon-negative effect. Evoware creates halal-certified food packaging and containers using seaweed that are biodegradable, edible, and nutrient-rich. These products can also improve soil quality when disposed of.

3.1 Biscuit containers lined with seaweed (Benefits)

Seaweed is gaining popularity as an alternative to plastic packaging due to its sustainability, renewability, and biodegradability. The growth and utilisation of seaweed eases the waste management process as it is biodegradable and the packaging can be naturally decomposed. This reduction in the production of plastic will directly contribute to a reduction in gas emissions and the contamination of soil, water, and air. Some studies have reported that it takes a hectare of the ocean to create 40 tons of dry seaweed. During processing, that same volume can absorb 20.7 tons of CO2 emissions. Although the initial cost of production may be higher, the long-term benefits of using a sustainable and biodegradable material can outweigh the investment. Seaweed is also a highly nutritious food that offers various health benefits, including improved heart health and reduced risk of cancer. To sum up, seaweed packaging is an excellent alternative to traditional plastic packaging due to its sustainability, biodegradability, and edible nature. It is a renewable resource that can help reduce plastic waste, and it has multiple applications for food packaging. The increasing popularity of seaweed packaging highlights the need for more sustainable packaging options in today's world, where plastic pollution is becoming a significant environmental concern.

4.1 Biscuit containers lined with seaweed (Evaluation)

While seaweed shows promise as an alternative to plastic containers, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed before it can be widely adopted. One challenge is the need for more research and development to improve the properties of seaweed packaging, such as its strength and moisture resistance. Another challenge is the cost of production, as seaweed is currently more expensive to produce than traditional plastic containers. 

Seaweed has the potential to be an environmentally friendly and nutritious alternative to traditional plastic containers. While there are still some challenges that need to be addressed, the use of seaweed as an edible food container material is a promising development in the fight against plastic pollution.

Summary reader response (draft 3)

According to the article 'Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame' from Autodesk Instructables, (Androole, 2012), the purpose of a Custom 3D printed carbon fiber bike frame is to give people an option to create their own. This allows them to customize the design of their bike frame according to whatever they prefer to give it an “unparalleled design flexibility” while being cost-efficient.

As androole stated, the process takes advantage of the growing availability and affordability of CAD and 3D printing to allow people to build themselves a unique custom bicycle with unparalleled design flexibility, (2023). This emphasizes that the process of using carbon fiber to create bike frames is a better option compared to other materials since it is flexible in terms of cost and availability, and it is also efficient and simple. Additionally, 3D printing using carbon fiber allows customization of features and functions of the bike frame that may not be included in premade bike frames. Examples of customizable options would be comfort, stiffness, efficiency, high strength-to-weight ratio and malleability. According to Androole, since the tubes are bonded together with epoxy and carbon fiber, people can use whatever material they’d like for the tubing – aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, titanium, or bamboo, (2023). This emphasizes that he encourages people to be creative with their designs. The final product has three groups of components, tubes, 3D printed joints, and outer reinforcement made of epoxy and carbon fiber. BikeCAD is a software that people can use to find alternate frame designs with generated detailed geometries. With proper reference, 3D models can be created using CAD software to print the final product. Components can be adjusted to suitable requirements for assembling. A mold must be constructed to allow injection of carbon fiber and epoxy to conclude the creation of the Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame.

While most bicycle frames are made from aluminum, steel and titanium, they are not a good option if people are looking for a material that can be adjusted to suit their needs, especially when it comes to creating their own bike frame using the software and tools that are currently at their disposal.  As such, carbon fiber is a recommended material option as it is popular with many bike enthusiasts due to its flexible and highly adaptive properties in creating a bike frame according to what its user wants. Not only does it assist with comfortability, but it is also durable in terms of environmental conditions and impact resistance.

For both competitive and noncompetitive riders, the main benefit of a carbon fiber bike frame is comfortability. Carbon fiber can be used to make a frame that’s extremely light and extremely stiff, with the option to wrap the carbon into complex, aerodynamic tube shapes, while still considering ride quality using aerodynamic tube shapes that are made by using carbon fiber. Unlike aluminum, carbon fiber has vibration damping qualities that provides a smoother ride to its users, (Reid Cycles, 2020). It is a highly adaptable material that can be shaped and fine-tuned to precise requirements, balancing stiffness, comfort and aerodynamic performance, (Norman, 2021).

Carbon fiber frames can be designed to meet specific demands of its user as it can curate the properties of each part of the frame, (Paul Norman, 2021). The fibrous nature of the material allows frame builders to adjust stiffness and compliance by aligning the carbon layers in varying ways, (wheretheroadfork, 2022). Not only can its durability be altered, but it has been lab tested to outperform alloys, especially in good impact resistance. Impact is not the only aspect that it is resistant to. Carbon fiber is considered an inert material; thus it is not susceptible to chemical corrosion or salt damage, (Reid Cycles,11 February, 2020). It survives the most severe environmental conditions like humidity, rainfall, radiation, chemical exposure, and more, (CCUK, 2022).

While Carbon fiber has its many advantages, that does not mean it doesn't come with its own set of flaws. Though carbon fiber frames can be easily damaged in areas such as quick-release dropouts, they are not the only source of damage to the frames. Bangs and bashes can also cause damage to the interior of frame tubes, which may not be visible from the exterior and can cause a frame to break unexpectedly. Thus, requiring an ultrasound or X-ray inspection to detect the internal damages inflicted in the frame, (Norman, 2021). Unfortunately, another one of carbon fiber’s setbacks is that it is not sustainable for the environment as it takes a lot of energy to manufacture and is not biodegradable. Most carbon fibers are difficult to recycle and repurpose, especially since they cannot be melted down and used to make new products or items, (CCUK, 2022)

It goes without saying that Carbon fiber is a material that is versatile in providing consumers the opportunity to create a useful Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame that suits their requirements and needs. However, consumers must be wary when it comes to taking care of their bike frames as it will be difficult for them to repair the damage inflicted on them. All in all, carbon fiber is a reasonable choice when it comes to selecting a material for a bike frame.

Reference List

Androole (2012). Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame. Autodesk Instructables. https://www.instructables.com/Custom-3D-Printed-Carbon-Fiber-Bike-Frame/

Composites Construction UK (February 1, 2022). Is carbon fibre a sustainable material for strengthening buildings and structures? Composites Construction UK.

https://www.fibrwrap-ccuk.com/carbon-fibre-strengthening/is-carbon-fibre-a-sustainable-material-for-strengthening-buildings-and-structures/#:~:text=Carbon%20fibre%20is%20not%20currently,make%20new%20products%20or%20items.

Composites Construction UK (2022). Carbon fiber reinforced polymer pros and cons. Composites Construction UK. https://www.fibrwrap-ccuk.com/blog/carbon-fibre-reinforced-polymer-pros-cons/

Paul Norman (November 8, 2021). Bike frame materials explained: carbon vs aluminum vs steel vs titanium. Bike Radar. https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/bike-frame-materials/

Reid Cycles (11 February, 2020). 5 Benefits of carbon fibre. Reid Cycles. https://www.reidcycles.com.au/blogs/news/5-benefits-of-a-carbon-fibre-bike

Wheretheroadforks (November 23, 2022). Carbon Vs Aluminum Bike Frame: Pros and Cons. Wheretheroadforks. https://wheretheroadforks.com/carbon-vs-aluminum-bike-frame-pros-and-cons/

Summary reader response (draft 2)

 According to the article 'Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame' from Autodesk Instructables, (Androole, 2023), the purpose of a Custom 3D printed carbon fiber bike frame is to give people an option to create their own. This allows them to customize the design of their bike frame according to whatever they prefer to give it an “unparalleled design flexibility” while being cost-efficient.

As androole stated, the process takes advantage of the growing availability and affordability of CAD and 3D printing to allow people to build themselves a unique custom bicycle with unparalleled design flexibility, (2023). This emphasizes that carbon fiber is a better option compared to other materials since it is affordable, efficient and simple. Additionally, 3D printing allows customization of features and functions of the bike frame that may not be included in premade bike frames. Examples of customizable options would be comfort, stiffness, efficiency, high strength-to-weight ratio and malleability. According to Androole, since the tubes are bonded together with epoxy and carbon fiber, people can use whatever material they’d like for the tubing – aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, titanium, or bamboo, (2023). This emphasizes that he encourages people to be creative with their designs. The final product has three groups of components, tubes, 3D printed joints, and outer reinforcement made of epoxy and carbon fiber. BikeCAD is a software that people can use to find alternate frame designs with generated detailed geometries. With a proper reference, 3D models can be created using a CAD software to print the final product. Components can be adjusted to suitable requirements for assembling. A mold has to be constructed to allow injection of the carbon fiber and epoxy to conclude the creation of the Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame.

While most bicycles are made out of aluminum, steel and titanium, they are not a good option if people are looking for a material that can be adjusted to suit their needs, especially when it comes to creating their own bike frame using the softwares and tools that are currently at their disposal.  As such, carbon fiber is a recommended material option as it is popular with many bike enthusiasts due to its flexible and highly adaptive properties in creating a bike frame according to what its user wants. (comfort, durable)

For both competitive and noncompetitive riders, the main benefit of a carbon fiber bike frame is comfortability. Carbon fiber can be used to make a frame that’s extremely light and extremely stiff, with the option to wrap the carbon into complex, aerodynamic tube shapes, while still considering ride quality. Unlike aluminum, carbon fiber has vibration damping qualities that provides a smoother ride to its users, (Reid Cycles, 2020). It is a highly-adaptable material that can be shaped and fine-tuned to precise requirements, balancing stiffness, comfort and aerodynamic performance, (Norman, 2021).

Carbon fiber frames can be designed to meet specific demands of its user as it has the ability to curate the properties of each part of the frame, (Paul Norman, 2021). The fibrous nature of the material allows frame builders to adjust stiffness and compliance by aligning the carbon layers in varying ways,(wheretheroadfork, 2022). Not only can its durability be altered, but it has been lab tested to outperform alloys, especially in good impact resistance. Impact is not the only aspect that it is resistant to. Carbon fiber is considered an inert material, thus it is not susceptible to chemical corrosion or salt damage, (Reid Cycles,11 February, 2020). It survives the most severe environmental conditions like humidity, rainfall, radiation, chemical exposure, and more, (CCUK, 2022). 

While Carbon fiber has its many advantages, that does not mean it doesn't come with flaws. Carbon fiber can be easily damaged in areas such as quick-release drop-outs. Bangs and bashes can also cause damage to the interior of frame tubes, which may not be visible from the exterior and which can cause a frame to break unexpectedly. It may require ultrasound or X-ray inspection to detect internal damage, (Norman, 2021). Unfortunately, another one of carbon fiber’s setbacks is that it is not sustainable for the environment as it takes a lot of energy to manufacture and is not biodegradable. Most carbon fibers are difficult to recycle and repurpose, especially since they cannot be melted down and used to make new products or items, (CCUK, 2022)

It goes without saying that Carbon fiber is a material that is versatile in providing consumers the opportunity to create a useful Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame that suits their requirements and needs. However, consumers must be wary when it comes to taking care of their bike frames as it will be difficult for them to repair the damages inflicted on them. All in all, carbon fiber is a reasonable choice when it comes to selecting a material for a bike frame,

(Original Source)

Androole (2023). Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame. Autodesk Instructables. Retrieved February 8, 2023, from https://www.instructables.com/Custom-3D-Printed-Carbon-Fiber-Bike-Frame/

(Supporting Sources)

https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/bike-frame-materials/

https://www.reidcycles.com.au/blogs/news/5-benefits-of-a-carbon-fibre-bike

https://wheretheroadforks.com/carbon-vs-aluminum-bike-frame-pros-and-cons/

Composites Construction UK (February 1, 2022). Is carbon fibre a sustainable material for strengthening buildings and structures? Composites Construction UK.

Retrieved February 8, 2023, from 

https://www.fibrwrap-ccuk.com/carbon-fibre-strengthening/is-carbon-fibre-a-sustainable-material-for-strengthening-buildings-and-structures/#:~:text=Carbon%20fibre%20is%20not%20currently,make%20new%20products%20or%20items.

Composites Construction UK (2022). Carbon fiber reinforced polymer pros and cons. Composites Construction UK.

Retrieved February 8, 2023, from 

https://www.fibrwrap-ccuk.com/blog/carbon-fibre-reinforced-polymer-pros-cons/

Summary reader response (draft 1)

 According to the article 'Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame' from Autodesk Instructables, (Androole, 2023). The purpose of a Custom 3D printed carbon fiber bike frame is to give people an option to create their own. This allows them to customize the design of their bike frame according to whatever they prefer to give it an “unparalleled design flexibility” while being cost-efficient.

As androole stated, the process takes advantage of the growing availability and affordability of CAD and 3D printing to allow people to build themselves a unique custom bicycle with unparalleled design flexibility, (Androole, 2023). This emphasizes that carbon fiber is a better option compared to other materials since it is affordable, efficient and simple. Additionally, 3D printing allows customization of features and functions of the bike frame that may not be included in premade bike frames. Examples of customizable options would be comfort, stiffness, efficiency, high strength-to-weight ratio and malleability. According to Androole, since the tubes are bonded together with epoxy and carbon fiber, people can use whatever material they’d like for the tubing – aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, titanium, or bamboo, (Androole, 2023). This emphasizes that he encourages people to be creative with their designs. The final product has three groups of components, tubes, 3D printed joints, and outer reinforcement made of epoxy and carbon fiber. BikeCAD is a software that people can use to find alternate frame designs with generated detailed geometries. With a proper reference, 3D models can be created using a CAD software to print the final product. Components can be adjusted to suitable requirements for assembling. A mold has to be constructed to allow injection of the carbon fiber and epoxy to conclude the creation of the Custom  3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame.

While most bicycles are made out of aluminum, steel and titanium, they are not a good option if people are looking for a material that can be adjusted to suit their needs.  As such, carbon fiber is a recommended material option as it is popular with many bike enthusiasts due to its flexible and highly adaptive properties in creating a bike frame according to what its user wants.

For both competitive and noncompetitive riders, the main benefit of a carbon fiber bike frame is comfortability. Carbon fiber can be used to make a frame that’s extremely light and extremely stiff, with the option to wrap the carbon into complex, aerodynamic tube shapes, while still considering ride quality and comfort. Unlike aluminum, carbon fiber has vibration damping qualities that provides a smoother ride to its users. If people are not prepared for a full carbon fiber rig though, they have the option to mitigate some of the vibrations by fitting wider tires and choosing a bike with a carbon bike fork.

Carbon fiber frames can be designed to meet specific demands of its user as it has the ability to curate the properties of each part of the frame. It is a highly-adaptable material that can be shaped and fine-tuned to precise requirements, balancing stiffness, comfort and aerodynamic performance. The fibrous nature of the material allows frame builders to adjust stiffness and compliance by aligning the carbon layers in varying ways. For example, the carbon fiber bike frame will have stiffness in the bottom bracket and head tube areas for power delivery and control, and compliance in the seat tube and stays for rider comfort. Not only can its durability be altered, but it has been lab tested to outperform alloys, especially in good impact resistance, Impact is not the only aspect that it is resistant to. Carbon fiber is considered an inert material, thus it is not susceptible to chemical corrosion or salt damage.

While Carbon fiber has its many advantages, that does not mean it doesn't come with flaws. Carbon fiber can be easily damaged in areas such as quick-release drop-outs. Bangs and bashes can also cause damage to the interior of frame tubes, which may not be visible from the exterior and which can cause a frame to break unexpectedly. It may require ultrasound or X-ray inspection to detect internal damage. Unfortunately, another one of carbon fiber’s setbacks is that it is not sustainable for the environment as it takes a lot of energy to manufacture and is not biodegradable. Most carbon fibers are difficult to recycle and repurpose, especially since they cannot be melted down and used to make new products or items.

It goes without saying that Carbon fiber is a material that is versatile in providing consumers the opportunity to create a useful Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame that suits their requirements and needs. However, consumers must be wary when it comes to taking care of their bike frames as it will be difficult for them to repair the damages inflicted on them. All in all, carbon fiber is a reasonable choice when it comes to selecting a material for a bike frame,

(Original Source)

https://www.instructables.com/Custom-3D-Printed-Carbon-Fiber-Bike-Frame/ 

(Supporting Sources)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon-fiber-reinforced_polymers

https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/bike-frame-materials/

https://cyclingtips.com/2018/01/how-carbon-fibre-bicycle-frames-are-made/

https://www.reidcycles.com.au/blogs/news/5-benefits-of-a-carbon-fibre-bike

https://wheretheroadforks.com/carbon-vs-aluminum-bike-frame-pros-and-cons/

https://www.fibrwrap-ccuk.com/carbon-fibre-strengthening/is-carbon-fibre-a-sustainable-material-for-strengthening-buildings-and-structures/#:~:text=Carbon%20fibre%20is%20not%20currently,make%20new%20products%20or%20items.

Descriptive Summary (draft 2)

 According to  the article 'Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame' from Autodesk Instructables, (Androole, 2023). The purpose of a Custom 3D printed carbon fiber bike frame is to give people an option to create their own. This allows them to customize the design of their bike frame according to whatever they prefer to give it an “unparalleled design flexibility” while being cost-efficient.

As androole stated, the process takes advantage of the growing availability and affordability of CAD and 3D printing to allow people to build themselves a unique custom bicycle with unparalleled design flexibility,(Androole, 2023). This emphasizes that carbon fiber is a better option compared to other materials since it is affordable, efficient and simple. Additionally, 3D printing allows customization of features and functions of the bike frame that may not be included in premade bike frames. Examples of customizable options would be comfort, stiffness, efficiency, high strength-to-weight ratio and malleability. According to Androole, since the tubes are bonded together with epoxy and carbon fiber, people can use whatever material they'd like for the tubing – aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, titanium, or bamboo, (Androole, 2023). This emphasizes that he encourages people to be creative with their designs. The final product has three groups of components, tubes, 3D printed joints, and outer reinforcement made of epoxy and carbon fiber. BikeCAD is a software that people can use to find alternate frame designs with generated detailed geometries. With a proper reference, 3D models can be created using a CAD software to print the final product. Components can be adjusted to suitable requirements for assembling. A mold has to be constructed to allow injection of the carbon fiber and epoxy to conclude the creation of the Custom  3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame.

(Original Source)

https://www.instructables.com/Custom-3D-Printed-Carbon-Fiber-Bike-Frame/ 

(Supporting Sources)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon-fiber-reinforced_polymers

https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/bike-frame-materials/

https://cyclingtips.com/2018/01/how-carbon-fibre-bicycle-frames-are-made/