This bicycle prototype from Flying Machine and owner/designer Matt Andrew features unique titanium tubing joined with 3D printed titanium lugs. Allowing, in Matt words, “For infinite flexibility and all bikes to have personal and tailored geometry.”
– matt andrew :: owner and designer at flying machine
This featured F1 prototype has been tailored to the exact measurements of Matt, owner and designer at Flying Machine. Matt says it fits like a glove and rides even better than he hoped, light, stiff, fast and extremely comfortable. Now, anyone can own a 3DP-F1 bicycle, made to fit their exact measurements and riding style.
To make “The Bike of the Future” Flying Machine have hybridized a more traditional method of creating bicycles, using lugs to join between the frame tubes. According to Matt, “Lugged frames have become less popular due to limitations with variation in geometry.” Now with the help of 3D printing a renaissance has occurred allowing for infinite flexibility and all bikes to have personal and tailored geometry.
The bespoke 3D printed lugs can be turned around very quickly. FM are aiming to be able to produce a full tailored geometry custom frame within 10 days from order and complete bikes in around 3 weeks. 3D printing (also known as additive manufacturing) is extremely accurate, “very low waste and low invested energy.”
To bring this project to life, Flying Machine worked with CSIRO’s (Commonwealth Science and Industrial Research Organization), Melbourne based Titanium Technology Division.
To complete the 3DP frames FM used 3Al-2.5V titanium tubing bonded to the 3D printed 6AIV4 titanium lugs using aerospace grade super toughened epoxy adhesive. The lugs are produced in Melbourne and the frame building is done in their Perth studio, “making these Flying Machines truly Australian Made.”
– matt andrew
Key components used to build the rest of the F1 prototype:
Drivetrain – Gates Carbon Drive, Centretrack, 55 tooth front sprocket, 20 tooth rear
Hubs – White Industries M15, titanium cassette with single speed spacer kit
Rims – H + Son, Archetype
Spokes – DT Swisse, Competition
Tyres – Schwalbe, Durano
Saddle – Fizik, Aliante VS
Handlebars – FM Custom
Forks – FM Custom Carbon
Bar Tape – Dipell, Competition, leather
Bottom Bracket – Bushnell Featherweight eccentric, with White Industries Ti spindle BB
Brakes – Tektro, R570 calipers with RL340 levers
+ Source: 3D Printed Titanium: New F1 Prototype By Flying Machine
