German companies Urwahn Engineering, Trumpf, and H+E Produktentwicklung have joined forces to create the SOFTRIDE steel bike frame. Using advanced Additive Manufacturing (AM) techniques, the companies aim to revolutionize bike frame production. This partnership promises to deliver significant improvements in weight, stiffness, and cost efficiency.
Revolutionizing Bike Frame Manufacturing with Additive Manufacturing
The three companies have successfully integrated Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) Additive Manufacturing with engineering-based design. This innovative approach has led to up to 30% improvements in weight, stiffness, and cost when compared to traditional manufacturing methods.
Innovative Design and Performance Advantages
The SOFTRIDE steel frame combines the lightweight properties of aluminium and the aesthetic design of a monocoque carbon frame. Trumpf provided essential machinery and material parameters, while H+E Produktentwicklung focused on optimizing the production process. Urwahn Engineering integrated all the design feedback, resulting in a high-performance bike frame.
The PBF-LB technology reduces post-processing steps like welding or mechanical machining, enhancing manufacturing efficiency. It allows for the creation of internal cavities and optimized load paths, which improve stability and reduce weight. The precise control over layer construction ensures fine-tuned mechanical properties for the frame.
Strategic Partnerships Drive Innovation
The collaboration between Urwahn, Trumpf, and H+E has transformed the bike industry. The team moved from concept to serial production in less than eight months—a remarkable achievement in the industry. The frames are now being produced at scale using Trumpf’s TruPrint 2000 PBF-LB Additive Manufacturing machine at H+E Produktentwicklung’s facility in Moritzburg.
The Future of Bike Industry Innovation
This groundbreaking collaboration showcases the immense potential of Additive Manufacturing in the bike industry. It highlights how innovation, technology, and strategic partnerships can drive advancements in product design and production efficiency. The SOFTRIDE steel bike frame is poised to set new standards for performance, weight reduction, and cost-effectiveness in bike manufacturing.
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