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#ITSWheels | Light Rider

@itsthatsmith — Sat, 28 May 2016 18:49:47 +0000

Light Rider – World’s first 3D printed Motorcycle

From home décor to medical prosthetics, robotic parts to aircraft interiors, 3D printing is the future of manufacturing. APWorks, a 100% subsidiary of Airbus Group, has worked at the forefront of additive layer manufacturing (ALM) and advanced materials since its launch in 2013., APWorks produces bionically optimized metal parts for a wide range of industries, from aerospace to automotive and robotics. Its newest creation? The world’s first 3D-printed motorcycle, made using APWorks’ Scalmalloy® material, weighing in at a svelte 35 kg.

APWorks just announced the creation of the world’s first 3D-printed motorcycle that can actually be used as a daily rider. Aptly named the Light Rider, given that it weighs in at a mere 35 kg (77 lb), the electric-powered two-wheeler appears to be what would happen if H.R. Geiger designed a motorcycle. The company said the exoskeleton-like design of the Light Rider came from the need to make the frame structurally able to withstand the loads and stresses of everyday riding. Powered by a 6-kW (8-hp) electric motor with a top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph), it may not be at home on the freeway, but can be used for daily city driving and commuting. The frame of the Light Rider weighs all of 6 kg (13 lb) and is made of a material created and patented by APWorks called Scalmalloy. This is a second-generation aluminum-magnesium-scandium alloy (AlMgS) that the company claims is stronger than the aluminum-silicon powder material used in most production-scale 3D printing today. The use of Scalmalloy allowed APWorks to create hollow rather than solid frame parts, which made it easier to hide most of the cables and other elements that might be more visible on a standard motorcycle. Bionic algorithms were also used to optimize the entire structure, resulting in a cleaner overall design and a finished bike that weighs 30 percent lighter than other eBikes currently in production.

Hat Tip

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

@itsthatsmith — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 22:48:59 +0000

The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider displays a design reminiscent of the marque’s 33 Stradale from the late 1960s – a V-8-powered car that could cover a kilometer faster than any other production car; not even the V-12-powered Lamborghini Miura or Ferrari Daytona could catch it. Like the 33 Stradale, the 4C Spider is quick and agile because its design is based on the principle that speed is a function of weight and engine power. It weighs less than 2,500 pounds thanks to a monocoque tub and body panels made of carbon fiber. And though the 4C Spider has about half the power of Alfa Romeo’s 8C Competizione, it is just as fast. In addition to its speed, the 33 Stradale was distinguished by its high price; it was the most expensive car on the market in its time. The 4C Spider, however, with a starting price of just under $64,000, costs far less than any other carbon-fiber-bodied sports car.

RDSV – High Speed Snow Vehicle Concept

@itsthatsmith — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 22:28:56 +0000

Some time ago we’ve already shown you very interesting concept of snowmobile concept. And here is another one – RDSV – Rapid Deployment Snow Vehicle. This concept was created by industrial designer from Buenos Aires, Argentina – Juan Garcia Mansilla. As designer says “The RDSV is a 2 seater high speed vehicle for use in any polar environment. It would aptly serve polar exploration, rescue missions, medical emergencies or even sport applications, basically anything that requires high speeds through a polar environment. The whole idea started with the traction system, something that could allow high speeds across Antarctica but could also climb up a mountain for an avalanche rescue operation. Then the whole vehicle was built around it. RDSV features an adaptive traction system that allows for an effective displacement over both ice/hard snow or deep snow. Each wheel is made up by twelve individual units, each with two different paddles: a small one (for hard surfaces) and a big one (for deep snow). Depending on the terrain, each unit rotates accordingly to expose the desired paddle.” Also dont’ forget to check the video.

Beautiful LIfe

Acer’s New eATV

@itsthatsmith — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 22:00:56 +0000

Acer might be better-known for its range of laptops, tablets, phones, and similar consumer electronics, but it has quietly lifted the lid on a brand-new product line — an electric, all-terrain vehicle (eATV).