In our previous article, we introduced the method of manufacturing cast bicycle parts. This time, we will continue to share the finished products of other related bicycle parts.
They are still printed using an Ultimaker 3 3D printer, and industrial-grade PolyCast filament must be used for the casting foundry to make molds!
Filament trivia: PolyCast is a material specifically designed for investment casting (lost-wax casting). It can be polished with an alcohol polisher and completely burned out during casting to ensure the integrity of the mold cavity.
This time, we have three small bicycle parts. Let's take a look!
First is this connecting part. We almost always bring samples of this part printed in various materials to every exhibition, always arranged in a magnificent row!
This is how it looks right after printing, with some slight 3D printing marks. We will then use a Polysher alcohol polisher for polishing.
Placed in an alcohol polisher for steaming for about 10 minutes.
After steaming, it is sent to the foundry for processing. Initially, it will be a gray casting (as shown below), unpolished.
After polishing and grinding, it will be very shiny and eye-catching. Let's look at more beautiful photos from different angles~~~
Next is the bicycle pedal. Everyone knows bicycles have pedals, but perhaps you've never looked at one this closely before.
In fact, the pedal has many intricate details and a very good design. First, let's look at a photo of the 3D printed pedal.
The final pedal part after casting, grinding, and polishing.
The last item is the connecting part for the bicycle pedal, which looks a bit like a wrench (the editor kept mistaking it, almost using the finished metal part as a tool).
Front
Back
Parts after casting and polishing
Finally, a group photo.
Friends interested in bicycle parts can also refer to our previous article - 3D Printed Bicycle Casting Parts.
The casting results are truly beautiful, no less impressive than the real thing. Now, using this method, you can save the expensive cost of mold making and produce metal prototypes more cost-effectively before finalizing the design.
Please note that all printed objects in this article were printed using PolyCast with an Ultimaker 3D printer. PolyCast filament's properties allow it to be polished with an alcohol polisher and completely burned out during casting to create the mold.
Are you interested in this casting method and eager to try it yourself
? Feel free to contact us with any questions about the PolyCast material or the production process!