Bits to Atoms, in collaboration with Post Industrial Crafts has developed a rugged, low-tech 3D printed solution to facilitate bike transportation via Lebanese buses.
Employing durable polycarbonate derived from re-purposed water gallons, we used 3D printing technology to craft extended channels that can securely accommodate two bikes of varying configurations. These channels are affixed to the bus through a retractable steel frame, while the bikes themselves are held in place by an articulated holder, ensuring user-friendly functionality.
The pursuit of decidedly low-tech solutions was driven by the need for resilience, cost-effectiveness, and user simplicity, all of which are imperative due to the operational conditions in a developing nation.
Leveraging 3D printing with locally recycled polycarbonate offered several distinct advantages:
1. On-demand, unit-by-unit production at a minimal cost.
2. The material's exceptional resistance to shocks and UV exposure.
3. A smooth, unblemished finish achieved through large-scale robotic 3D printing without the need for painting or additional treatments.
4. The absence of finishing treatments mitigates concerns related to scratches, as the color is embedded within the material during the printing process.
5. The ability to continually refine the design, unhindered by the necessity for molds in plastic parts manufacturing.
6. Damaged components can be locally recycled to create new bike rack parts, reducing reliance on foreign sources for spare components.
7. Fabricating components locally from recycled plastic ensures the smallest possible carbon footprint, contributing to environmental sustainability.