What if someday you could print your very own motorcycle through a 3D printer like you do take out the color printouts of your favorite motorbikes? The only difference would be, this time the printing would be three dimensional (3D), resulting the outcome of an absolutely REAL motorcycle. This might sound you weird but this is what claimed by TE Connectivity, that they have already done it. TE Connectivity or formally Tyco Electronics Ltd, is a Swiss company which has claimed to produce World's first fully operational motorcycle made by 3D printing technology. Although, the entire bike is not made by the claimed technology and parts like Electric Motor (including wiring loom), Brakes and Drive belt along with few other nut bolts are not only made from the conventional material but through conventional method also.
Rest of the motorcycle is made from the ABS plastic material and are produced by 3D printing, TE Connectivity claims that the bike weighs 250 lbs and can withstand two adult people on board. However the conventional electric motor is capable of producing only 1 Hp and can top the speed at only 15 Mph. The entire motorcycle is not produced to take it for a mass scale but to prove a point that the 3D printing technology can be proved not only helpful but also feasible for the future automobile industry.
The outcome may not seem practical but the process involved in producing this bike will certainly inspire the automobile industry, and in future if not the entire motorcycle being manufactured by any manufacturer but at least the spare parts could surely be made through this futuristic technology.
By: Farhan Kashif