Summary Reader Response Thesis Draft 1

The web blog “Custom 3D Printed Carbon Fibre Bike Frame”, written by Adroole (2012) shares his experience and step-by-step instructions on how he built a bicycle frame out of carbon fibre. Adroole (2012) mentioned “fabricating a jig with basic versatility and functionality for frame building takes time and patience” suggesting that the entire process is time-consuming and challenging. The custom 3D printing of carbon fibre bike frame process mainly consists of 3 groups of components, which is the tubes, 3D printed joints, and outer enforcement made of epoxy and carbon fibre. According to his blog, “I wanted to design a process for building bicycles that allowed an enthusiast to spend less overhead, less time on finicky details and put the emphasis on actually designing and making a bike that you want to ride” this shows that the intentions of his blog are to share and help users to have a more enjoyable time in designing and crafting their bicycles instead of spending extra time on spending or being restricted by the materials needed for the process. Carbon fibre is a more suitable material for bike frames as compared to aluminium or titanium due to its properties like comfort, stiffness and efficiency. (Adroole, 2012) Making a bicycle frame out of the material, carbon fibre, give users the freedom and flexibility to customise the shape and properties of their bike frames to suit their cycling style or bicycle type, be it mountain bikes, road bikes, etc.

On his blog, Adroole (2012) had not only listed the step-by-step instructions, but also the precautions to take while constructing the bicycle frame using carbon fibre. He came up with a process that makes use of tools such as CAD and 3D printing to help people customise their bicycles with better ease. CAD gives people the freedom to create any shapes and design they want and how they want their bikes to be, whether it is for road, mountain, track or cargo bikes. Adroole (2012) also stated in his web blog that users will only need to spend between $250-500 depending on the materials and tools available to them. Having connections with 3D printers will help save a lot of money.

Adroole (2012) first started his journey of making his carbon fibre bicycle frame by deciding on what traits he wants his bicycle to have as that will determine the tube angles and components his bike needs to have. Once the design has been decided, he created his design of the bicycle frame in CAD software such as Solidworks and Autodesk Inventor. Any software can be used as long as it is able to export the design files into a 3D-printable format. Proficiency in CAD is required to model parts for 3D printing. The next step is the moulding of parts which requires more time CAD modelling, 3D printing, and mould preparation takes a little more time in advance when moulding the parts, but it is worth it as it improves aesthetic, strength and durability. (Adroole, 2012) After moulding the parts out, it is time for de-moulding to take the moulded parts out. This is where delamination, ridge, pocket, or void will be found on the moulded parts but this issue can be easily resolved by grinding or sanding away the damaged area or adding new layers. The last step would be the assembly of the bicycle, depending on what type the bicycle is and what kind of parts the user wants to use. 

Adroole (2012) mentioned things to take note of when making their carbon fibre printed bicycle frames. The first is checking whether the parts can fit perfectly. Surface preparation is important when working with carbon fibre composites. Everything should be kept clean and free from contamination. Surfaces that are to be bonded should fit nicely with each other to promote stronger joints which can be done through sanding, filing or knurling to roughen the surface. (Adroole, 2012) Another precaution is that even though epoxy is less toxic than polyester resin, users should still take precautions by working in a ventilated area, wearing a cartridge respirator, and putting on safety glasses since excessive exposure to epoxy can cause sensitization reactions. 

In conclusion, although building customised 3D carbon fibre bikes requires proficiency in CAD software and access to 3D printing machines, Adroole’s web blog provides step-by-step instructions to help guide amateurs in accomplishing their beginner dreams of having a custom-made bike. As the process involves chemicals, it is best that users are careful when building their own custom 3D-printed carbon fibre bike frame.

(Original Source)

https://www.instructables.com/Custom-3D-Printed-Carbon-Fiber-Bike-Frame/ 

(Supporting Sources)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon-fiber-reinforced_polymers

https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/bike-frame-materials/

https://cyclingtips.com/2018/01/how-carbon-fibre-bicycle-frames-are-made/