Reynolds Technology
introduced 3D printed titanium dropouts to their range recently. As the title
suggests, these dropouts are made by 3D printing or Additive Manufacturing
(AM), rather than by traditional methods such as casting or machining. But how
do you 3D print metal – and why would you want to?
Firstly, looking at
how it’s done, 3D printing is a process in which layers of material are built
up into a 3D shape under computer control. This works for both basic and
complex shapes, which brings us on to the next point – why?
3D printing can
create structures with far more complexity than a process like casting can
produce. This is a major advantage for these dropouts, which have intricate
internal features.
3D printed parts also
tend to have a high strength-to-weight and a high stiffness-to-weight ratio. The
process creates minimal waste, as the shape is built up, rather than being
machined from a larger block of material.
But finally, and
perhaps most crucially, the process can allow for a customisable design.
Reynolds 3D printed titanium dropouts are tailor-made to integrate into the
company’s chainstays and seatstays. This indicates that 3D printed parts could
well significantly reduce the time and cost for framebuilders, as they are
built with such precision that they seamlessly attach to frames.
For more on this or to watch a short video about the process, head to HERE