TITAN SUPER BOND, a manufacturer specializing in the production of titanium bicycle components, in collaboration with BLT, a leading Chinese metal additive manufacturing company, has produced the first fully 3D printed titanium alloy bicycle frame in China, and reportedly in Asia too.
The Chinese bicycle industry, one of the biggest in the world, has long faced challenges in R&D and production of high-end components. Metal 3D printing, capable of producing complex structures with precision and efficiency, offers a robust solution. It ensures stable, high-quality production – maintaining a crucial dimensional accuracy of 0.03mm. Furthermore, this technology allows for customized parts tailored to individual riders – enhancing performance and comfort.
Traditionally, bicycle production involves numerous intricate steps, often taking up to 45 days from design to delivery. With metal 3D printing, the process is simplified – reducing production time by 30% and material waste by more than 20%. This technological advancement strengthens weld-intensive areas, reduces labor intensity, and accelerates overall production – paving the way for future advancements like robotic automated welding.
In 2022, TITAN SUPER BOND integrated BLT’s Laser-Powder Bed Fusion metal 3D printing machines, the BLT-A320s, into its production line. This collaboration led to innovative solutions for deformation control of complex-shaped parts and weight reduction. The parts produced not only passed the international ISO 4210 dynamic fatigue strength test but also set new benchmarks in lightweight design and manufacturing quality.
The BLT-A320 machine is a cornerstone in producing high-precision, durable, and corrosion-resistant titanium alloy bicycle components. Its maximum build dimension and near 100% density capability make it ideal for a range of materials, not just in bicycle manufacturing but across various industries.
The 3D printed titanium alloy bicycle frame is a symbol of technological innovation extending beyond traditional high-end sectors like aerospace and medical devices. BLT’s vision of “cross-industry collaboration” aims to explore new applications and inject technological vitality across industries.
