3D printing has entered just about every industry and application, with fascinating results. Futurewave’s new Alyx bike uses 3D printed aluminum to create an entirely new bicycle design, reducing parts, and removing the need for welds.

We appreciate the new geometry of the frame, which is properly streamlined and minimal, showing the benefits of an additive 3D process.

The bike’s color and texture echo the sleek shape of the overall profile, while the battery is purposely external, adding a unique look.

See more on Futurewave’s website.

“Bicycle manufacturing presents several challenges. Firstly, the molding techniques used to create specific parts make tooling very expensive. Additionally, replacing parts can be complex due to their lack of standardization.

To overcome these obstacles, we had the idea of creating standardized parts for bicycle frames. However, achieving aesthetically pleasing junctions with standardized parts is difficult.

This is where metal 3D printing additive manufacturing technology comes in. This technology allows us to design parts with precise and elegant junctions while maintaining standardization.”

-Futurewave

This x-ray view shows the internal structure.
Unique additive structure inside negates the need for traditional welds.


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Author

Ben VanderVeen is the founder and editor of Moss & Fog, one of the web’s longest-running visual culture destinations. Since 2009, he’s been finding and framing the most beautiful, surprising, and thought-provoking work in art, architecture, design, and nature — reaching over 325,000 readers each month. He lives in Portland, Oregon.

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