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Van Raam produces uniquely special needs bicycles and specializes in tricycles, transport bikes, scooterbikes, wheelchair bikes, tandem bikes, double rider bikes, and low step trough bikes (also known as comfortbikes). Each model is also available as an electric bike (Pedelec).
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Children's tricycle Husky from 3d printer at Van Raam
'It is one of the largest tricycles in the world ever printed,' says a proud Jan-Willem Boezel, technical director of Van Raam. The 3d printing of the Husky children's tricycle was the graduation assignment of Industrial Product Design student Sander Feuler. 'I think we're going to be 3d printing more and more in the future,' says Boezel.
Graduation assignment: 3d printing of a children's tricycle
'We wanted to know whether it was possible to print a bicycle frame in 3d. It was really a research assignment with no commercial purpose,' says Jan-Willem Boezel, technical director at Van Raam. Fourth-yearIndustrial Product Design student at the HAN in Arnhem Sander Feuler was assigned to carry out the research assignment. Feuler looked at the functions of the current Husky and which parts are important to include in the frame. This showed that the chain guard and the luggage carrier had to be integrated into the frame, so that the whole thing becomes stronger and does not break.
Choice for 3d printing a children's tricycle
A deliberate choice was made to 3d print a children's tricycle explains Feuler. With the 3d printing of plastic you have to take into account the strength of the material. The Husky tricycle is for children aged 2 to 4 years, with a maximum weight of 17 kilos. Plastic is suitable for that load. It's a different story when you want to print the Fun2Go side-by-side tandem in 3d. Then you have to look at other techniques.
Large 3d printer: Dddrop Rapid One
The frame of the children's tricycle was printed with a large FDM 3d printer. Regular 3d printers are usually 200 by 200 by 200 millimeters. The Dddrop Rapid One, on the other hand, has a size of 750 by 600 by 750 millimeters. This printer was supplied by CAD2M.
3d printing of Husky big success
Feuler is very pleased with the 3d printed bicycle frame. 'There has never been a children's tricycle 3d printed before. The fact that we were able to achieve this result in such a short time is just fantastic!' Boezel fully agrees: 'Sander has really created something special and world-class. It is really unique that you can print the frame of a tricycle in one go.'The intention is that in the future the Husky will actually be printed in 3d. For this, research still needs to be done. For example, there are no regulations yet on which a 3d printed bicycle must comply.
3d printing of bike frames in the future
Boezel thinks that Van Raam will apply 3d printing more and more in the future. 'Probably we will use different techniques per bike, because you have to deal with the strengths of the material. Perhaps we will use carbon for high-end bikes and plastic for children's bikes.' However, the technical director sees the biggest future for printing parts for bikes. In recent years, Van Raam has already printed several parts for their bikes. Read more about this in the article 'Bicycle parts from the 3d printer at Van Raam'.
Innovation important pillar at Van Raam
Van Raam believes it is important to keep innovating. The 3d printing of bicycle frames is an example of this. Boezel: 'By using 3D printers, you can make a bicycle locally, custom-made and also by piece. This means you don't need stock, it's more sustainable and it gives you the opportunity to make customer-specific adjustments.' Are you curious about other innovative techniques within Van Raam, click on the button below.
Husky tricycle for children
The Van Raam Husky tricycle is designed for children who have difficulty with stability. The specially designed bottom bracket allows children to pedal straight down. In the crank are standard crank shorteners integrated. Various options can be mounted on the Husky, such as: back and foot fixation, a uninterrupted steering wheel and a push bar.
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