Frankfurt/Main, Germany – November 15, 2021 – An unlikely pairing generated something remarkable. In this case, the first-of-its-kind custom bicycle. Just one glance shows you it’s different – it doesn’t have the same trapezoidal shape as other bikes – and there’s a lot more cyclists will love. Using 3D printing technology, Oerlikon’s additive manufacturing team in Barleben, Germany, produced 150 sets of seven never-before-made components for a bicycle based on a completely new design developed by Urwahn founder Sebastian Meinecke.
The partnership between Oerlikon and Urwahn began several years ago when Meinecke brought his idea to the Oerlikon AM team. From concept to creation, both partners determined the materials, processes and the right machines to develop this unique next-generation bike. “The collaboration with the Oerlikon team has been great,” said Meinecke. “With their knowledge of materials and technology, we were able to develop a process chain that enabled us to offer new and unique features such as fully integrated electric systems for the product. And this is just the beginning. I am excited to see what else we can innovate together by taking advantage of new materials and additive manufacturing.”
In addition to its unique shape, which uses rear wheel elastic suspension to ensure a comfortable ride, the frame has integrated LED lighting and a GPS tracking system as well as other gadgets, which would not be feasible to make with conventional production processes. To protect the frame and add another cool dimension, a protective BALINIT CROMA PLUS coating, from the Oerlikon Balzers brand, is applied. Since the coating is of a rainbow color, no bicycle will look like another.
“This is the kind of project that sparks our creativity because we started with a completely white board,” said Hendrik Alfter, general manager of Oerlikon’s European production. “Sustainable mobility and transportation options, including cycling, are megatrends as people steer toward environmentally friendly options to stay mobile. We see great opportunity in this market.”
To see the bike and learn more about AM’s capabilities, visit Oerlikon at formnext in booth E101, Hall 12.1 from November 16-19, 2021, at Frankfurt am Main.
More information available at: https://www.oerlikon.com/am
About Oerlikon AM
Oerlikon AM is a leading provider of additive manufacturing solutions with metals and polymers. The extensive portfolio of solutions offered by Oerlikon AM ranges from the co-development and contract manufacturing of high-quality and performance-optimized components, through research and development, to the production of the company’s own metal powders for 3D printing. Moreover, materials, process and applications engineering, certified manufacturing processes, post-processing of components and quality management enable Oerlikon AM to provide its global circle of customers from different industries with optimally customized comprehensive solutions.
Oerlikon AM supplies the aerospace, energy, automotive and tooling sectors, as well as various other high-tech industries. Together with Oerlikon Balzers and Oerlikon Metco, Oerlikon AM forms the Surface Solutions Division of the Swiss-headquartered Oerlikon Group. The Division provides unique and integrated solutions from material selection, through to manufacturing, post-processing, and coating of functional components.
As part of the Oerlikon Group, Oerlikon AM now employs more than 200 people at its four sites throughout Europe, the United States and China.
More information available at: https://www.oerlikon.com/am
About Urwahn
With the passion for technology, outstanding quality and seamless design, Urwahn rethought the bike. This reinterpretation makes commuting in the rough climes of the city through an uncompromising driving experience to a unique experience. The form-fitting frame structure combines organic design features with a strong recognition value and high functional integration.
Urwahn is a technology pioneer as traditional manufacturing techniques are combined with additive 3D printing to create an uncompromising product design with the highest levels of functionality and performance. By using the phase-oriented process model of integrated design engineering complex products are developed and produced according to the principles of lean manufacturing by using state-of-the-art tools and creative techniques.
Urwahn breaks with traditions and thinks outside the box. The bar is set very high in terms of material and process quality. In order to meet these demands, Urwahn consciously settled the production of the certified Urwahn steel frame in Germany. In cooperation with numerous industrial partners, they develop, produce and assemble all Urwahn Bikes according to German quality standards.
More information available at: https://www.urwahnbikes.com/
