SILCA a bicycle parts manufacturer that was founded in 1917, introduced MENSOLA, as “the world’s smartest computer mount, designed by the wind and [additively] manufactured in 6Al/4V Titanium by lasers”. Each MENSOLA mount is designed for specific stem face-plate geometry, ensuring minimum weight and maximum strength and improved aerodynamics over the previous computer mount solutions.
Priced at $175 for all the different custom sizes, MENSOLA is targeted at discerning cyclists looking for the strongest and most beautiful mounting solution for their computers. MENSOLA improves aerodynamics at the front of the bike while also de-cluttering the handlebars.
As explained by SILCA, the vision for MENSOLA started with a question: “What if we could remove traditional manufacturing constraints from the design of a computer mount?” The original idea was to do away with the extra clamp on the handlebar. In the past, traditional manufacturing constraints have made it impractical to make all of the sizes necessary to sell a mount that will work with all of the various stem face-plate geometries.
Manufacturing on Demand
The solution was found in 3D printing, which gave SILCA the ability to manufacture practically any geometry without limitations of tooling or raw material stock sizes. With what is essentially unlimited design opportunity, the engineers then set their sights on making the strongest, most beautiful, and functional mount ever seen.
Borrowing structural design elements from architectural and aerospace engineering, the team at SILCA was able to use a stressed-skin design with internal truss elements. The result is a mount that is 10-15% lighter than aluminum mounts manufactured by CNC techniques, while also being 6-12 times stronger than those same aluminum designs. The stressed skin also allows for aerodynamic design elements to be used resulting in a reduced drag coefficient compared to previous designs.
Each MENSOLA is printed in 6Al/4V titanium in the company’s Indianapolis facility and matched with the highest aerospace-grade 6Al/4V Titanium hardware for mounting to your stem. Weights range from 27gm to 36gm depending on the bolt spacing of your stem or hardpoints of your integrated handlebar. A consult fitment guide to determine the exact fitment for each bicycle.
* This article is reprinted from 3D Printing Media Network. If you are involved in infringement, please contact us to delete it.
Author: Davide Sher
Leave A Comment