From the article 'Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fiber Bike Frame' from Autodesk Instructables, (Androole, 2023).
It costs more than 600 dollars for bike enthusiasts to make customized bicycle frames from traditional materials such as steel. Whereas 3D printing technology provides a better option that is affordable, efficient and simple.
Building bicycle frames out of carbon fibre with the aid of 3D printing allows customization of features and functions. Examples being comfort, stiffness, efficiency, high strength-to-weight ratio and malleability, therefore making it a suitable material to make bicycle frames.
The final product has three groups of components, tubes, 3D printed joints, and outer reinforcement made of epoxy and carbon fibre. The materials of the tubes can even be bamboo as the final product will be reinforced by epoxy and carbon fibre.
First, with the assistance of software like BikeCAD, alternative frame designs can be generated with detailed geometries. Next, with the reference provided, 3D models can be constructed using CAD software where the final product will be printed out. After the joints are printed, the tubes can then be cut into suitable lengths and assembled with the 3D-printed joints. Lastly, a mould will be made to sandwich the tubes and joints, which will then be bound together using epoxy and carbon fibre by injecting them into the mould.
Ideally, both the tubes and the joints can be 3D printed from carbon fibre-reinforced plastics. And eventually, a 3D-printed bicycle frame made of carbon fibre is developed.
(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/
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