BigRep has revealed the world’s first 3D-printed airless bicycle tire, using their very own PRO FLEX Filament, a TPU-based industrial-grade filament. What does this mean? The material is flexible enough to bend, while still easily being able to fit on a regular tire hub, and durable enough to handle roads. Its honeycomb-style construction provides shock protection, shape-memory, and “high-temperature resistance, low-temperature impact resistance,” according to the company. Continue reading for more pictures and information.
“While BigRep doesn’t plan on mass manufacturing tires yet, the printers and the filament are up for purchase, allowing you to experiment on your own designs and even test out treads that allow the 3D printed tires to work on wet roads or terrains. Unlike Bridgestone’s airless tire that is an entire wheel in itself, BigRep’s tires can be retrofitted on any bike by ditching the current tire tube, and can more importantly, be customized to the max,” reports Yanko Design.
