40% manufacturing costs decrease, 35% weight decrease, smart load-oriented reinforcement.
Due to extremal operation conditions, downhill bikes should withstand significant loads, and one of the keys is a reliable suspension.
DOWNHILL BIKE ROCKER PRODUCED FROM METAL BY CNC TECHNOLOGY
Rocker is an element of suspension that obtains flexural loads while riding a bike. It's often produced from metal by CNC technology (milling) that gives enough strength but is too expensive. Continuous fiber 3D printing is a good opportunity to get the part of the same strength but reduce cost and weight.
The composite rocker was printed on the Composer 3D printer from Smooth PA plastic reinforced with continuous fibers. The part withstands the same loads as metal one being 40% cheaper and 35% lighter at the same time. Learn more: Composite 3D Printing.
