PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF FRAME PRODUCTION
After a seven year sabbatical from the bike industry, Peter took up a 2-year role as GM of the bike division of an additive manufacturing company. His research during this time led him to engage with a number of the world’s most innovative 3D printers, composite designers & manufacturers, as well as several universities.
Encouraged by riders, Peter has relaunched TESCHNER Bikes with a unique range of carbon tubes and additive manufactured lugs. In recent times, 3D printed lugs have become popular in the handcrafted frame market. As a designer, Peter has looked at the materials currently used in the bike frame market – and other materials with potential for use in bike frames.
WHICH FRAME MATERIAL SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
WHAT MATERIAL IS BEST FOR YOUR FRAME?
If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then the best frame material is in the mind of the rider.
Whilst carbon and titanium seem to reign supreme on their own, there’s an emerging trend in custom build frames that marries 3D printed titanium lugs and carbon tubes.
The properties of titanium 6/4 are known, repeatable and measurable. Peter has explored if a synergy exists where the combined properties of titanium and carbon working together are better than by themselves.
Beyond that, he has researched and tested numerous material inputs, shapes and production methods. These include filament winding, pre-preg, autoclave, out of autoclave, and resin transfer molding.
Is there a definitive perfect combination?
“I am not sure I can answer that as maybe it is not definable. Would 3D printed high strength aluminium, or steel or magnesium lugs or even 3D printed carbon lugs mated to the same carbon tube in each option offer a similar outcome?”
Whilst Peter’s research continues, he believes that the best frame materials will be determined by price and intended use. This is why every TESCHNER frame starts with a conversation between Peter and you, the rider.