Looks promising, but show me the strength/weight/stiffness data compared to conventional construction. A cost of $300 to build would still be >$1000 retail, But that's cool if the performance is on par.

I am a 3d printing engineer.

If they can deliver on what their technology claims, they will be able to do much, much more than just bikes.

Being able to precisely align every fiber is a pretty big deal. This could help increase strength and lower weight.

Using thermoplastics I assume is going to lower strength and increase weight.

How does it all shake out? What if my bike (or airplane wing) melts?

I am highly doubtful that the $300 for the bike frame includes amortizing the cost of the printer...

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Ed O'Malley
www.VeloVetta.com
Founder of VeloVetta Cycling Shoes
Instagram • Facebook

well, there are thermoplastics suitable for damn near any application, but of course you have to be able to print the desired one to make a given application work.

and I share your doubt that the printer cost is amortized in that figure :) (although, maybe it's designed to be a million-hour machine :P )

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Eliot
blog thing - strava thing

I think I've seen you chime in on other 3d printing threads :)

Do you have specific doubts or optimism about their technology or ability to deliver?

And yes, they're pretty explicit that this isn't just about bikes.

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Eliot
blog thing - strava thing

A big problem will be quality control. Getting consistent quality is generally the main problem with using 3D printing for end-use parts. They'd need to closely monitor that, but I dont' see why it wouldn't be impossible.