From Prototyping to Production: Is 3D Printing Technology Finally Prepared to Make the Shift? AM Industry
As we noted with a press release earlier this week, Airbus Group’s 3D printing subsidiary company APWorks has released the world’s first-ever fully 3D printed motorcycle, the “Light Rider”. The electrically-powered machine was 3D printed in Scalmalloy material, an aluminium-magnesium-scandium alloy engineered by Airbus, which produced a motorcycle that is 30% lighter than most conventionally manufactured e-motorcycles. It looks exhilaratingly modern, and sounds like it would be a tremendously fun motorcycle to ride around on. But, the implications that APWorks latest creation may have on 3D printing as a whole could be much more than just an additively manufactured joyride.