Low Volume CNC Machining of Bicycle Parts
Sep 06,2022
As more and more people become eco-conscious and aware of the harmful impacts of fossil fuels, the demand for bicycles and various bicycle parts is rapidly increasing. Bikes have been with us for centuries in one form or another. Their popularity is enjoying a significant boost due to higher demand.
Therefore, implementing modern tools and technologies like CNC machining bicycle parts has become more critical. Several CNC turning parts manufacturers have emerged.
If you are unfamiliar with CNC machining of bicycle parts, keep reading to learn about it.
What are CNC Machining Bicycle Parts?
Computer numerical control (CNC) machines manufacture different parts for numerous industries, including the bicycle industry. It involves using computerized tools to manage an entire system and create precision CNC machining parts with maximum accuracy. It allows manufacturers to automate a complete design and make the same parts again and again consistently. Therefore, CNC machining bicycle parts is helpful as most bicycles involve the same features.
There are many different CNC machining bike parts, such as the wheel, axis, handle, and frame. Materials like titanium, carbon fibre, or aluminium are typically used to create these parts. Most professional CNC turning parts manufacturers like the Tuofa CNC Machining provides material machines services and rapid prototype and low volume production.
Where are bicycle parts manufactured?
Most companies manufacture bicycle parts and frames in China because China is one of the largest carbon fibre suppliers. Moreover, Chinese labour allows manufacturers to keep their prices in control and reach a wider audience.
CNC turning parts manufacturers like Tuofa CNC Machining use precision machining prototypes and manufacturing parts from China. It allows them to implement quick, cost-efficient, and precise prototyping solutions to fulfil the manufacturing needs of the bicycle parts.
Which parts of the bike need CNC machining services?
Generally, it is possible to manufacture all types of bike parts with the help of modern and efficient CNC machining services. The advancement of CNC machines allows manufacturers to create different metal and plastic parts for a motorcycle. Some of these significant bicycle parts are:
Mountain bike assembly frame is the most important part
Whether a mountain bike is comfortable to ride, whether it is light and easy to control, how strong it can withstand, how long it can be used, whether it can be upgraded, etc., the key is to look at the frame.
The frame is roughly divided into two types: hard tail frame, full suspension frame (soft tail frame). The frame can be hard frame, soft tail, steel, aluminum, titanium, carbon; it depends on your riding style, that is, what do you want to do with this bike, this is a general direction, It is also the key to clearing your mind.
The choice of frame size: Generally, the frame is selected according to the height, and it is very important to choose the frame that suits you.
Frame and height reference data: 14-inch-150-160 15-inch-155-165, 16-inch-160-170 17-inch-165-175, 18-inch-170-180 19-inch-175-185, 20-inch-180 -190 21 inch -185-195.
1. The frame parts are the basic structure of the bicycle, as well as the skeleton and main body of the bicycle. Other parts are also directly or indirectly installed on the frame.
There are many structural forms of frame parts, but they can be generally divided into two categories: men's frames and women's frames.
The frame is generally welded and combined with ordinary carbon copper tubes. To reduce tube weight and increase strength, higher-end bikes are built with low-alloy steel tubes. In order to reduce the resistance of fast driving, some bicycles also use streamlined steel pipes.
Since the bicycle is driven by the human body's own driving force and riding skills, the frame becomes an important structure to withstand the impact load generated by the bicycle and whether it can carry the human body comfortably and safely. The quality of the ride will directly affect the safety, stability, and lightness of the ride. Generally speaking, the spokes are of equal diameter. In order to reduce gravity, there are also variable-diameter spokes with large ends and small middle ones, and flat and streamlined spokes in order to reduce air resistance.
Front fork parts
Front fork part: The front fork part is located in the front part of the bicycle structure. Its upper end is connected with the handlebar part, the frame part cooperates with the front tube, and the lower end cooperates with the front axle part to form the guide system of the bicycle.
Turning the handlebar and front fork can change the direction of the front wheel, which plays a guiding role in the bicycle. In addition, it can also play a role in controlling the running of the bicycle.
The force of the front fork is of the nature of a cantilever beam, so the front fork must have sufficient strength and other properties.
Flywheel
Flywheel: The flywheel is screwed and fixed on the right end of the rear axle with internal threads, keeps the same plane as the sprocket, and is connected with the sprocket through the chain to form the driving system of the bicycle. From the structure, it can be divided into two categories: single-stage flywheel and multi-stage flywheel.
The single-stage flywheel, also known as the single-chain sprocket flywheel, is mainly composed of a jacket, a flat block and a core, a spring, a spring, a washer, a wire block and a few steel balls.
The working principle of its single-stage flywheel: when the pedal is stepped forward, the chain drives the flywheel to rotate forward. At this time, the inner teeth of the flywheel are contained in the jinjin, and the rotating force of the flywheel is transmitted to the core through the jinjin, and the core drives the rear axle and the shaft. The rear wheel turns and the bike moves forward.
When you stop stepping on the pedals, neither the chain nor the jacket rotates, but the rear wheel still drives the core and the jack to rotate forward under the action of inertia. At this time, the inner teeth of the flywheel slide relative to each other, thereby compressing the core to the core. In the slot of the child, Qianjin compresses the spring. When the top of the jack tooth slides to the top of the inner tooth of the flywheel, the jack spring is compressed the most, and then slides a little forward, and the jack spring is bounced to the tooth root, making a "click" sound. The core rotates faster, and the jins quickly slide on the inner teeth of each flywheel, making a "click" sound. When the pedal is stepped in the opposite direction, the jacket rotates in the opposite direction, which will accelerate the sliding of the jins and make the "click" sound more rapid. Multi-stage flywheel is an important component in bicycle transmission.
The multi-stage flywheel is based on the single-stage flywheel, adding several flywheel pieces, and combining with the sprocket on the central axis to form various transmission ratios, thereby changing the speed of the bicycle.
Handlebar
Handlebars, handlebars are used to control the bike. Depending on the bike category, there are different types of handlebars. Brake levers When we ride our bikes, we need to slow down and stop. The purpose of the brake lever is to stop or slow down the bicycle.
The gear lever is an important part of the bicycle. The main purpose of the gear lever is to control the transmission system and help us choose the desired gear ratio.
Handlebar Clamps A handlebar clamp is a bicycle part that holds the handlebar in place. The handlebar clips can be used to raise and lower the handlebars. The front brake is connected to the brake lever for slowing down or stopping.
Wheels
The wheels of any bike are significantly more noticeable than the vehicles. Therefore, it is essential to create efficient and attractive wheels. Nowadays, bicycle wheels can offer many customization options to enhance the overall aesthetics.
Precision CNC machining parts services can be used to customize the wheels. Typically, aluminium alloys are used to complete wheel customization and ensure their quality is not compromised during the process.
The bottom line is that you can virtually use CNC machining services for all bike parts, such as headset caps, seat clamps, rear hub guards, and numerous other factors.
Advantages of low volume CNC Machining custom bicycle parts
One of the most significant benefits of low-volume CNC machining custom bicycle parts is that it lowers the manufacturing cost. The initial price of the CNC machinery is high, but once a manufacturer can streamline the CNC machining of bicycle parts, the overall production cost is reduced.
Moreover, the labour cost associated with CNC machines is also lesser because these machines do not require a large team of dedicated operators. Instead, they automate the everyday manufacturing process and bring more precision.
Some of the other benefits of using low-volume CNC machining for bicycle parts are:
1. CNC machining allows manufacturers to create complex designs with high standards of accuracy and precision.
2. The trend of using lightweight metals like aluminium and magnesium in creating bicycle parts is increasing due to CNC machines.
3. CNC machining speeds up bicycle parts manufacturing and quickly fulfils customers' requirements.
4. If a company wants to introduce a unique bike or bicycle part into the market, relying on CNC machining is a reliable option to use to design prototypes.
Low volume CNC machining services custom bicycle parts quote
CNC machining of bicycle parts starts with a CAD design. After completion of the design, it is converted into G-Code to allow the CNC tools to read and follow the specific instructions. Therefore, CNC machines can manufacture many bicycle parts with consistency and accuracy through high-precision CNC machining parts.
Suppose you want to get an estimated cost of CNC machining of custom bicycle parts. In that case, you should contact a CNC turning parts manufacturer like Tuofa CNC Machining, which provides a free quote within 24 hours and prototypes within a day to ensure maximum customer satisfaction.
Tuofa CNC Machining Conclusion
The bottom line is that the significance of CNC machines in various industries, including the bicycle industry, is expected to keep increasing as more and more manufacturers are looking for reliable, automated, precise, and accurate methods of speeding up the manufacturing processes and lowering the costs.