Building a rear rack for a suspension bike
Development engineer Peter Kümmerli is a true expert when it comes to combining SLS parts with other materials and turning them into real life solutions. In a recent project he constructed a custom rear carrier and side stand for an electric suspension bike.
Combining SLS with other materials
Peter Kümmerli is a development engineer for drone technology from Switzerland and over the years has gained a high level of expertise in combining laser sintered work pieces with all kinds of materials. His work is oriented around drones and robotics, last year however he focussed on a different kind of project: For his electrical suspension bike it was not possible to attach a stand or rear carrier, so Peter designed a simple but efficient prototype himself.
Steel, carbon, and PA12
Using steel plates and carbon fiber rods from his workshop, the robust framework of the rear rack was quickly realized. To get the right shapes and angles and to hold the system together, Peter relied on the selective laser sintering (SLS) process. The necessary mechanical components were subsequently 3D printed on the Sintratec S2 system with robust PA12 nylon.
Components made to last
After over a year of use, during summer and winter time, in different weather conditions and with heavy load on it, the prototype has proven to not only be functional but also durable. «I’m happy with the quality. The parts do not change color and the material remains stable – it works perfectly», Peter summarizes.
