3D printing has been widely used in the production of bicycle parts, including the popular electric bicycles. It enables individual customization of spare parts and the creation of bicycle accessories and gadgets. Professional 3D printing guarantees high precision and the production of lightweight and robust components. With a variety of finishing methods and a fast production process that takes just a few days, 3D printing offers a competitive edge over traditional methods of manufacturing bicycle parts.
One of the leading manufacturers of electric bikes is Texugo, which produces certified electric bikes using 3D printing technology. Texugo’s bikes means proprietary solutions such as a motor controller, an innovative battery design and a touchscreen display with dedicated software, whose housings are produced using 3D printing technology. The Polish manufacturer has consciously chosen 3D printing for the realisation of selected bicycle parts, allowing it to offer innovative electric bicycles, tailored to the needs of users.
We asked Texugo’s owner, Mr Lukasz Janota, why he uses 3D printing technology in a production process:
“3D printing technology is ideal for producing parts in a very short time and at a relatively low cost (in traditional methods, shape modification is problematic and the injection mould itself is very expensive). In the case of the realisation of the electronic display housing, we chose to print using Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology with PA12 material, as this material performs well in the harsh weather conditions the bike has to face. In addition, each print can have a different geometry, which is an advantage over other part manufacturing technologies.”
Texugo, by integrating 3D printing into its manufacturing processes, it not only increases its innovation, but also helps to shape the future of the bicycle industry and will certainly play a leading role in this evolution. Faster prototyping, the possibility of personalisation and the optimisation of production are key elements that set 3D printing apart from traditional methods of manufacturing bicycle parts.
Benefits of 3D printing in electric bicycles:
• rapid production of prototypes or small series
• possibility of making a functional prototype for validation and testing purposes
• materials with various properties (resistance to moisture, heat and cold)
• various 3D printing technologies allow you to freely and appropriately adapt the method and material to the intended use of the print
• low production waste (no additional supports)
• high precision printing
• wide range of materials (PA11, PA12, TPU, etc.)
• a wide range of post-processing (bead blasting / shot peening, vibro-abrasive machining, sandblasting, colour dyeing, painting, chemical vapor smoothing)
• no additional, expensive equipment
• possibility of design modification
• low entry cost (cost of individual prints) compared to other manufacturing methods, e.g. injection moulding technology, which enables you to print your design from a single piece
• short lead time (4-6 days)
The advent of 3D printing technology has opened the door to a new era of advanced and customised electric bikes.
To learn more about how 3D printing can be used in the production of bicycle parts, please do not hesitate to contact us.
