A new 3D printing production technology for carbon frames has been unveiled by Atala, an Italian bicycle manufacturer in which Accell Group has a 50 percent stake. Set to revolutionize the alloy and carbon frame market, the innovation enables production-ready carbon frames to be printed in a single piece. The frame – boasting a new design – was showcased at EICMA, the bicycle and motorcycle show in Milan. There are three main benefits to this new production approach: faster production times, a far lighter frame and greatly minimized waste. The frames will be made in Taiwan. Bike Europe notes that Arevo, a U.S.-based start-up, offered its own take on a carbon e-bike produced via a 3D printer at the Eurobike trade show. Arevo developed its own carbon bike solutions in partnership with another American company, Franco Bicycles. A new market is expected to be forged as a result of this enabling technology, says Bike Europe. Previously expensive carbon frames will now be far more affordable, and only slightly more expensive than alloy frames. The technology will be applied to e-MTB frames, with production forging ahead on a commercial scale in July 2020 and applied to a range of seven bikes under the Whistle brand, which is owned by Atala.

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