NOWLAB, the additive manufacturing innovation consultancy from 3D printer manufacturer, BigRep, has developed a functional e-motorcycle which is the first in the world to be fully 3D printed. With it’s look inspired by stealth technology, it certainly looks awesome.
Called the NERA, the e-motorcycle was designed by Marco Mattia Cristofori with Maximilian Sedlak. It is comprised of 15 parts which were 3D printed on BigRep large-scale 3D printers.
The filaments used were ProHT, ProFLEX, PETH and PLA through a 0.6 – 1 mm nozzle. The measurements of the bike are 190 x 90 x 55 cm (74.8 x 35.4 x 21.6 in) and parts were printed with a layer height of 0.4 – 0.6mm.
“The NERA combines several innovations developed by NOWLAB, such as the airless tire, functional integration and embedded sensor technology. This bike and our other prototypes push the limits of engineering creativity and will reshape AM technology as we know it,” explains Daniel Büning, Co-founder and Managing Director of NOWLAB. But, check it out for yourself in the video:
Entirely 3D Printed #NERAbike (Excluding Electrical Components)
Unfortunately, the NERA e-bike isn’t available for purchase and is just a “use-case” for BigRep. This also means that there isn’t any information available about the performance of the bike or drivetrain.
However, as the video shows, it is regardless an impressive feat of engineering and shows off what can be done with a 3D printer – even if the ride looks a bit wobbly and you can‘t see how the bike behaves in a steep curve. Just the fact that all of the parts of the NERA e-bike — such as the airless tires, fork, flexible bumpers, seat, rims and frame — were 3D printed using FDM technology is pretty awesome.
In fact, the only parts not to be printed were the electrical components. The bike boasts embedded electronics and forkless steering. It’s functional thanks to an electric engine and a battery housed in the body. All the rider needs is a 3D printed helmet and they’re ready to go!
Keep up to date by following BigRep on Instagram.
Source: New Atlas
License: The text of "BigRep 3D Prints Working NERA Electric Motorcycle" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.