By optimizing the geometry according to the “Golden Ratio” principle, three frame sizes have been developed for the urban and gravel segments, striking a perfect balance between comfort and performance.
URWAHN BIKES, Germany-based bike manufacturer shared further information about SOFTRIDE 2.0 product series, the latest generation of bikes it recently unveiled. As anticipated, the company worked with machine manufacturer TRUMPF to manufacture SOFTRIDE’s teel frames.
Porduced using LPBF, the engineering teams have been able to achieve improvements of up to 30% in weight, stiffness, innovation, and cost. Thanks to LPBF, they were able to create complex structures with internal cavities that would be impossible to achieve using conventional manufacturing techniques.
The new SOFTRIDE steel frame has been specifically designed to meet the requirements of AM. TRUMPF provided its 3D printers and material parameters, while H+E, an AM service provider, established the entire process for serial production and contributed valuable feedback to optimize the frame design. URWAHN consolidated all insights and integrated them in line with its own development requirements.
A key advantage of LPBF technology is the precise control over layer construction, allowing for fine-tuned mechanical properties of the final product. The use of high-alloy steels and specially developed alloying additives has resulted in an extraordinary combination of strength and elasticity. Additionally, the additive manufacturing process reduces post-processing steps such as welding or extensive mechanical machining, significantly enhancing efficiency.
The SOFTRIDE steel frame combines the lightness of aluminum with the aesthetics of a modern monocoque carbon frame. By optimizing the geometry according to the “Golden Ratio” principle, three frame sizes have been developed for the urban and gravel segments, striking a perfect balance between comfort and performance.
The agile and cooperative collaboration between the three companies progressed from the first sketch to serial production in less than eight months. The frame is manufactured in larger quantities using the TruPrint 2000 with laser technology at H+E Produktentwicklung in Moritzburg.
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