There was a huge range of great ideas at the EuroBike 2016 show. One of the coolest was Rockingtor’s 3D printed protection pad prototypes.

If you are a serious biker, you want to be protected if you’re out in the field. However, uncomfortable pads and protection can feel like a chore to wear.

At the Eurobike Show 2016, Rockingtor, a company founded by Pau Rei, was showing off new designs of protection; most of them being 3D printed protection prototypes. Their material choices and 3D printed designs are aiming to make protection better.

The early prototypes from the company have many different 3D printed elements. By using additive manufacturing, flexible pads can be made. This allows for some clever ideas when it comes to biking protection.

Rei pointed out that the designs and surface finishes are not final, but as a prototype, the benefits are intriguing. For example, the pads are modular, meaning you can replace everything.

If you have a problem with any of the pads, you won’t have to throw them away. This can save both money and time if printing out a replacement piece is an option.

3D Printing has Major Benefits for Bikers

With the advancement of 3D printing materials, it is not necessary for padding to be printed only in hard plastic, although it does have its place. Rockingtor makes use of polycarbonate for the pads.

Benefits of polycarbonate are that it doesn’t crack during high impact crashes. The material is even used in bulletproof laminates.

By using materials such as flexible 3D printed polymer, the biker is able to move easily and feel comfortable. The company has also designed lightweight straps which are replaceable and can be used to make the fit adjustable at every contact point.

Although the prototypes are early on in the process, the benefits of using 3D printing are clear. For example, the pads are highly breathable and have minimum skin contact. With the polycarbonate shin guard, there is room for plenty of ventilation. This comes from being held about 5mm above the skin by the closures.

Currently, the company is working on engineering the perfect prototype for bikers. However, they hope that by October, a final version will be ready to wear. Now, if you could only 3D print a bike…

Source: Single Track World