When it comes to explaining technically highly complex relationships, simple examples often help to illustrate them. The VMR service provider from Mönchweiler near Villingen-Schwenningen in Baden, Germany, also did the same. In order to demonstrate the advantages of 3D printing and its specially required design method, a 3D-printed bicycle frame made of aluminium was produced for a trade fair participation. The probably first printed bicycle frame made of light metal, which was designed and printed in Baden-Württemberg, was to serve as an eye-catcher for VMR's appearance at Europe's largest 3D printing fair, FormNext (19.-22.11.2019) in Frankfurt.
"The advantages of 3D printing are not immediately obvious to everyone," says Thomas Viebrans, founder and managing director of the 85-member company, which specializes in the manufacture of niche products made of plastic and metal.
"The frame structure is designed according to bionic principles in which material only stands where forces occur. Bionics is the new magic word with which today all kinds of technical articles can be designed according to the model of nature. This allows the function to be optimised and weight to be saved at the same time". This is interesting for many industries, such as electric vehicle construction, medical technology or aerospace, because the parts are light, functional and highly stable.
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