Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings

Customized bicycle parts reduce noise for cyclists

By Paul Heney | July 11, 2018

Share

Cyclists can now enjoy a quieter, maintenance-free ride with customized parts, such as sprockets, that can be made with igus’ high-performance plastics and the company’s 3D printing capabilities. igus, the German-based manufacturer of motion plastics, runs its North American operations through its facility in Providence, R.I.

Sales of electric bikes have increased dramatically in recent years. In 2017, sales rose by 25% in the United States and 34 million were sold worldwide. Manufacturers are continually looking for innovative steps to expand market share, and bikes are much lighter than previous models. Motors for e-bikes are about 25% smaller than their predecessors, with a weight of slightly less than seven pounds. The e-bikes are also much quieter, and the igus components further help cyclists since they are lubrication and maintenance free.

Lars Hartmann, an e-bike inventor, focused on reducing the noise generated by a metal sprocket. The sprocket acted as a guide for the chain so that it does not collide with the frame. The metal sprocket caused significant noise during operation, and Hartmann sought ways to reduce that noise.

3D printing produces customized solution
In search of an answer, Hartmann turned to igus’ 3D printing service. He sent the CAD data of the sprocket to igus and within a few days, received a customized solution for his project.

“The standard metal pinion generates a lot of noise when in use,’’ Hartmann said. “I drew it and had it printed by igus from iglide l3. Getting the part from igus was easy and fast. With the 3D printing service, the appropriate data could be uploaded as a STEP file, the material selected and the desired quantity ordered.”

Hartmann has used the sprockets for about two months, and he has noticed a dramatic reduction in noise in the e-bike.

Material suitable for industry or small batches
Hartmann used iglide l3 for the sprocket, which is a material suitable for industrial and small batch use. The product has good coefficients of wear and high strength and is processed by selective laser sintering (SLS). In addition, the manufactured parts can be used directly.

In the test laboratory at igus, plain bearings made from the material have been compared with common materials for selective laser sintering. In pivoting, rotating, and linear motion, the parts proved to be at least three times more abrasion resistant than standard materials.

igus
www.igus.com


Filed Under: ALL INDUSTRY NEWS • PROFILES • COMMENTARIES

 

About The Author

Paul Heney

Paul J. Heney, the VP, Editorial Director for Design World magazine, has a BS in Engineering Science & Mechanics and minors in Technical Communications and Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech. He has written about fluid power, aerospace, robotics, medical, green engineering, and general manufacturing topics for nearly 25 years. He has won numerous regional and national awards for his writing from the American Society of Business Publication Editors.

Related Articles Read More >

wittenstein-logo-image
WITTENSTEIN North America brings XP+ production stateside
PTDA Foundation now accepting nominations for 2022 leadership awards
HERMES AWARD – Jury nominates three solutions
FAULHABER-integriert-PDT_220401
FAULHABER integrates subsidiary PDT

DESIGN GUIDE LIBRARY

“motion

Enews Sign Up

Motion Control Classroom

Design World Digital Edition

cover

Browse the most current issue of Design World and back issues in an easy to use high quality format. Clip, share and download with the leading design engineering magazine today.

EDABoard the Forum for Electronics

Top global problem solving EE forum covering Microcontrollers, DSP, Networking, Analog and Digital Design, RF, Power Electronics, PCB Routing and much more

EDABoard: Forum for electronics

Sponsored Content

  • Global supply needs drive increased manufacturing footprint development
  • How to Increase Rotational Capacity for a Retaining Ring
  • Cordis high resolution electronic proportional pressure controls
  • WAGO’s custom designed interface wiring system making industrial applications easier
  • 10 Reasons to Specify Valve Manifolds
  • Case study: How a 3D-printed tool saved thousands of hours and dollars

Design World Podcasts

May 17, 2022
Another view on additive and the aerospace industry
See More >
Engineering Exchange

The Engineering Exchange is a global educational networking community for engineers.

Connect, share, and learn today »

Design World
  • Advertising
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Manage your Design World Subscription
  • Subscribe
  • Design World Digital Network
  • Engineering White Papers
  • LEAP AWARDS

Copyright © 2022 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings