Californian Digital Light Synthesis companyCarbonhas signed a 3D printed product partnership with leading U.S. bicycle manufacturerSpecialized.
Named the “S-Works Power Saddle with Mirror Technology”, this bike seat is the latest in a line of applications that sees Carbon forging a role for 3D printing in the consumer products market. Each of these applications, including partnerships withadidas和Riddell，现在在Crafted by Carbon™名称，被认为是“奉献精神和专注于制作您和我们星球真正需要的东西”。
Speaking with Ananda Day, Program Manager at Carbon, 3D Printing Industry learns more about the company’s latest partnership, and its heavily consumer-driven focus.
Crafted by Carbon
Carbon’s consumer focus debuted with the inking of theFUTURECRAFT 4D 3D printed midsolepartnership in 2017. Over the past two years, this partnership has grown to encompass the release of numerous different ADIDAS 4D shoes, includingY-3版和a pair made in collaboration withJapanese fashion designerYohji Yamamoto.
通过独特的材料开发和类似晶格的设计，阿迪达斯4D鞋集成了3D打印，以获得更好的舒适性和影响力 - 与足球齿轮专家Riddell的后续消费者合作伙伴关系相呼应。
TheSpeedFlex Precision Diamond helmet在碳L1系统上打印了衬里3D。借助Riddell提供的头扫描数据，此填充物也可以定制为佩戴者。Riddell研发经理在Rapid + TCT 2109讲话Vittorio Bolognasaid the company plans to roll-out Speedflex Precision technology to helmets used at all levels of competition, from junior to professional players.
Using internal latticework, the S-Works Power Saddle again offers improved performance in terms of comfort and pressure distribution. At the moment, the company is unable to confirm whether the saddle will be a one-off or part of a line of 3D printed bike saddles from Specialized, however, Day comments, “We can say that we were excited to partner with Specialized to create a breakthrough product that will be pivotal for the cycling community.”
Inside Specialized’s S-Works Power Saddle with Mirror Technology
The S-Works Power Saddle, like the Speedflex helmet padding, is 3D printed using a Carbon L1 3D printer workflow, including custom pre and post processing steps. Notably, the post processing step of the saddle does not include the use of solvents, and is instead done simply by post-curing. Being solvent-free, the seat is supportive of more eco-friendly production.
用于制作马鞍的材料是碳EPU 41树脂，该树脂被公司称为“生产级弹性材料”，其其他任何EPU的弹性和财产保留率最高。它的撕裂强度为20 kN/m，断裂时伸长率高达130％，玻璃过渡温度为-9°C。
The saddle’s internal lattice structure is composed of over 14,000 individual struts, each generated to dissipate the high pressure applied by riders when seated. The “Mirror Technology” aspect of the saddle refers to its ability to “reflect” a rider’s anatomy, i.e. provide form-fitting comfort.
在达到S-Works鞍座的最终设计之前，在10个月内，专业和碳通过70种不同的迭代进行了工作。这是生产新自行车座椅通常需要的开发时间的一半。
Specialized has not yet release any recommended retail prices for the S-Works Power Saddle, nor are there any hints as the when it will be commercially available. Review samples, however, are expected to the delivered by the company to press in early 2020. When on the market, the saddle will be available in two widths, 143mm and 155mm.
3D打印的消费产品可以改变世界吗？
Carbon’s partnership with adidas currently gives the sportswear giant exclusivity of 3D printed midsoles using the DLS platform. With regard to bike saddles, Carbon has said that it is working with other bike companies on the “value proposition of controlled compression” in the seats.
“One of the best things about digital manufacturing is its potential to impact product design, development, and logistics,” concludes Ananda, speaking generally of Carbon’s position in relation to consumer products. “Carbon already has partnered with several consumer brands, like adidas and Riddell, and we’re looking forward to see how our unique offering of hardware, software, and materials can continue to help companies deliver breakthrough products that improve human well-being, transform industries, and ultimately change the world.”
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Featured image shows detail the S-Works Power Saddle with Mirror Technology. Photo via Carbon
