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Electric Bike Company Lets Users Create Replacement Parts with 3D Printers (3ders.org)
The manufacturers of a new electric bike are sharing 3D-printable files that let users create their own replacement parts and accessories. "We want to help all our customers to personalize and get the most from their electric bikes," the company explains on their web site, "by offering them unique and interesting parts, as well as spares, that they can 3D print at home for free." Powered by a 42V lithium ion battery, the $2,430 Trayser has a range of 60 miles at speeds up to 15.5 miles per hour. 3Ders.org points out that entire bike frames have also been generated using 3D printers.
Conceptually a nice idea. From a practical and price-point standpoint, not really realistic. For the 3D printers that mere mortals can afford to own or have something made in, the part will likely not have the mechanical durability to be a moving part or a part that has to withstand stresses over time. There may well be commercial 3D printers that can make mechanical parts or parts that must perform under other types of stresses, but the cost of having it made verse buying it from a parts manufacturer will not be economical. As the summary states, whole frames have been printed, but good luck doing that on a hobby printer, or being able to afford having it done commercially for under 10 grand... But again, it's an interesting idea that one day will probably be realistic. Really, what they are doing is giving away their designs for free with the purchase of a bike, and there's nothing wrong with that.
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people have been making replacement parts and customizations of all sorts of equipment and vehicles using variety of tools such as lathe machines and other power tools, since at least start of industrial revolution, if not earlier.
having another way to do the same, 3d printers, is nice. but not all that new.