As one of the few companies 3D printing titanium for more than just small components or dropouts, Flying Machine kicked things off with their original 3DP-F1. Using 3D printed titanium lugs, frames were created by bonding the resulting shapes to 3AL-2.5V titanium tubing. In addition to quickly creating titanium frames, the design also allowed for frame with fully custom geometry to be created with super short lead times.
Improving on their original design, the new F-One-HD takes the concept of 3D printed Ti lugs to the next level. Instead of visible external lugs, the new frame uses “invisible” lugs that connect with seamless Ti tubing for a more modern look. The new frames still include the made to measure custom geometry and are offered in both rim and disc brake models.
Details next…
Because of the new lug design, the F-One-HD includes a tapered head tube to match the carbon fork with tapered steerer. Also, instead of a seat mast design, the new frame uses a standard seat post. Other than the lug junctions not being visible, the F-One-HD uses a similar construction method to the original 3DP-F1, joining seamless 3AL-2.5v titanium tubing to the 3D printed lugs.
Brake hose routing is fully internal for both the front and rear brake.
The F-One-HD is equipped with a single speed Gates Belt Drive and TRP Hylex hydraulic disc brakes, but is able to be configured with multi-speed internal gear hubs, custom tires, parts, and colors. The F-One-S uses a similar frame but opts for rim brakes. As with the original 3DP-F1, the bikes are hand made in Australia and include a lifetime warranty on the frame and fork. Prices start at $3,819.29 for the F-One-S, and $4,100.12 for the F-One-HD and go up from there depending on the selected options (stock option includes carbon one piece bar/stem, seat post, and rims). Flying Machine says the first customer orders are starting to roll out of their shop now.
Sharp looking bike, too much paint though.
3D printing is the future! I strongly recommend the existing Ti Frames companies to embrace that..
Why don’t they 3D print a better looking left dropout? Just another flat plate of Ti with IS holes that require a clugey adapter and more bolts… Not clean.
Internal brake hose routing is awesome !
Wow. Those are the cleanest joints of all time. Kudos to flying machine for tht. But bonded is heavier, weaker and less stiff though probably marginally for the latter two.
I wonder how the pricing compares with a equivalent welded bike?
“Hey we’ve got this faster, more efficient, and cheaper way of producing our product. Lets charge more for it!”
3d printing titanium and square taper cranks ::face palm::
So why would I buy a glued bike for the same price as a properly constructed one?
The idea of 3D printing lugs is interesting, but 3D printing invisible lugs?! No way! Instead of printing something invisible, why not just save money and not print at all. Imagine the possibilities. You could have an invisible bike! It would be the lightest bike in the world!
A properly prepared bonded joint will provide just as strong of a joint as a welded joint. Most planes are glued together. So saying that a glued bike is not properly constructed is a little shortsighted. A glued connection is just a different way to achieve the same function and with today’s epoxy formulations the bonds are very strong.
Love the finished product. 3-D printing is the future.
I wouldn’t be surprised if in a few years, most homes had a 3-D printer.