| Airbike constructed of nylon powder |
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 With a bicycle built of nylon and method Additive Layer Manufacturing To Air group EADS show on a brand new production. Similar technology is used in 3D printing; the engineers at EADS UK plant in Bristol let a laser to build parts for the bike with the help of nylon powder. Through an advanced design work in CAD environment, the engineers tried to build as many components as possible in one piece. For example in one piece manufactured wheels, bearings and shafts. With this method it is possible to customize the product directly to customer requirements. In the case of the bike riders would be of different length and weight to get their bikes custom. From EADS page you see now future opportunities to produce components for airplanes that are up to 65 percent lighter than todays, but still as strong. In addition to providing lighter components saves manufacturing method ALM lots of material. EADS expects that only one-tenth are selling compared to traditional processing, and wastage is negligible. The bike has been named Airbike because it was produced by air manufacturer Airbus, the first company in the EADS group that uses technology. Note that the spokes are the same shape and number of propellers on the future military transport aircraft A400M. |
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