Our Journey and Insights in building 3d printed titanium bikes
Titanium is a dream material for bike frames, offering an incredible balance of strength, lightness, a smooth riding feel and corrosion resistance. Traditionally, frame builders were limited to using machined parts combined with tubes, which constrained design flexibility. However, with 3D printing becoming more accessible and affordable, it’s opening up new possibilities for frame design and allowing us to push our creativity. While 3D printing offers exciting opportunities, it also comes with its own challenges. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of using this technology for titanium bike frames.
he Pros: Why 3D Printing is a Game Changer One of the biggest draws of 3D printing, especially with titanium, is design freedom. Traditional manufacturing methods limit you to certain shapes, but with 3D printing, we could create parts that fit the exact geometry and dimensions we envisioned. For example, the junction between the seat tube and top tube is a critical area where strength and precision matter. Printing enabled us to create a streamlined connection that not only looked clean but also integrated seamlessly with our overall design.
Additionally, we replaced the bulky seat clamp with a more refined internal clamp for a sleeker appearance.