We’ve seen the future, and the future is 3D printing. Trains, planes and automobiles construction -both commercial and residential- is all being transformed by the advent of this burgeoning field. And the cycling industry is no exception.
You’ll remember our coverage of Charge Bikes’ 3D printed titanium dropouts, here and here. A German company named VORWaeRTZ has taken 3D production to a whole new level.
VORWaeRTZ is using a process called laser-cuseing to print production-level frame lugs, fork crowns, dropouts, brake bridges, stems, hub-flanges, and seatpost parts. They not only look stunning but cut down on the time required to create fully custom carbon frames with titanium lugs.
Hit the jump for close-ups of VORWaeRTZ’s 10.8 pound beauty…
We posted a making of video when this first surfaced, but we just ran across these photos, above from Core77 and the remainder from the brand’s website. Suitable for the Louvre Museum, VORWaeRTZ’s little pieces of art are capable of being punished on the road or track.
VORWaeRTZ can finish each 3D printed titanium piece in TIN (shown), CRN, or TiCN+C. Each has a unique color and finish (gold, sliver, black – respectively).
This printed titanium stem weighs a claimed 169g; length is unmentioned.
No doubt contributing to the feathery weight is the rather uncomfortable looking carbon saddle, but hey, this is a show-stopper, not a Grand Tourer.
If the gold hue is too much bling, tone it down with the CRN coating.
And for the Batman fans, all stealthed-out is the TiCN+C coating.
