3D Printing out of production motorcycle parts (including metal) keeps the classics on the road.

[PrivatePilot]

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Interesting stuff going on, 3D printing is now possible in metal to the point where even things like cylinder heads are possible, so it would seem that any metal or plastic part would be able to be reproduced now. Certainly makes owning an old motorcycle where some parts are now unobtainable less risky. Heck, my 2018 is in this category already for some of the smaller trims and bolt-ons that were considered accessories or options vs stock.

Reviving Century-Old Motorcycles with Metal 3D Printing - 3D Printing Industry

Competition Distributing LLC, a Pennsylvania-based manufacturer of antique Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycle components, is using metal 3D printing to reproduce rare, century-old parts that are no longer available through conventional means. With a focus on pre-1930s motorcycles, the company...

3dprintingindustry.com

 

[just-me]

Metal 3d printers have been around for awhile now. Good to know they are being used for engines now.

 

[PrivatePilot]

Cool - I had no idea metal was an option. I just heard of carbon fibre 3d printing last year as well - there was a few people who were looking to print some of the now unobtainable accessories for our Star Venture's and they were looking at carbon fibre due to the strength. I wonder which option is less expensive - CF is very costly to the best of my knowledge.

 

[Brian P]

It's one thing to make something the same shape, quite another to achieve competitive properties of strength, ductility, etc.

 

[GreyGhost]

Cool - I had no idea metal was an option. I just heard of carbon fibre 3d printing last year as well - there was a few people who were looking to print some of the now unobtainable accessories for our Star Venture's and they were looking at carbon fibre due to the strength. I wonder which option is less expensive - CF is very costly to the best of my knowledge.

Carbon fibre filament is going to be miles cheaper than metal deposition. "Carbon" filament is ~$35/kg. It's really tough on nozzles and needs high heat. In no world is a carbon 3d printed part as light or strong as vacuum bagged carbon matt. Strength of printed carbon fibre is even a step down from "forged" carbon fibre which is basically injection molded plastic with some fibres and a lot of marketing.

 

[N234]

3d printing is slow. Great for one-offs or prototyping. You're not going to mass produce anything off it for now.

Kind of makes it perfect for unique, discontinued parts.

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