Cycling has increasingly become a very expensive hobby because we see the emergence of more and more expensive high-quality bicycles. However, there are reasons why people have high prices, because they mostly use more expensive high-tech materials or rare metals such as titanium. Naturally, we would expect that the introduction of 3D printed bike parts will reduce the price without sacrificing quality, but for CeramicSpeed, their direction is to continuously use 3D printing to pursue higher performance and quality.
Those hardcore bicycle fans may have heard of CeramicSpeed, the Danish company considered one of the world's leading suppliers of ceramic bearings. Founded in 2000 by Jacob Csizmadia, the company specializes in supplying NASA bearing technology to high-quality bicycles and even very professional racing bicycles. However, their parts are too expensive for the average consumer. Their 3D printed titanium transmission pulley (the key component on the bike) costs as much as $1,000.
Of course, these are not ordinary parts. At the National Manual Bike Show in the US recently, CeramicSpeed ​​demonstrated a transmission pulley that can meet most of the most extreme applications for professional bicycles. The product was developed in cooperation with the Danish Technical Institute. These special pulleys have a very light hollow structure (which cannot be realized without 3D printing) and have a service life that is three times longer than other components. They can be used on road, triathlon and off-road bikes and are compatible with Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo's 10-speed and 11-speed bicycles.
According to reports, CeramicSpeed ​​spent four years to complete their design, including an extensive molding process to achieve the best 3D printing products. The final pulley was manufactured using laser sintering technology and titanium powder. According to the project leader Eskild Herskind, “The 3D printed pulley passed the test with outstanding results. We have been continuously improving our processes to provide the sports industry with the most reliable high-end products.â€
In fact, CeramicSpeed ​​admits that the main purpose of the company's development of these parts is not to introduce a new product, but to explore a new technology. “We want to keep ourselves in synch with the latest advances in the high-tech field. When we do this, we have ample room to experiment with creative designs and upgrade and optimize our product performance at the same time.†Managing Director, CeramicSpeed ​​Corporation Martin Banke revealed.
Therefore, CeramicSpeed ​​currently only manufactures 10 pairs of such pulleys. It is conceivable that these parts may be sold at comparable prices. However, the company stated that they are planning to use the acquired experience in future products.
(Editor)