News

Airbus unit unveils 3D-printed electric motorcycle

Posted May 20, 2016 7:00 am

The Associated Press

The CEOÂ of Airbus, Tom Enders, left, and the head of APWorks, Joachim Zettler, present the first 3D printed electric motorcycle in Ottobrunn, Germany, Friday May 20, 2016. The motorcycle was made of metal powder by using lasermelting technology. The bike only weighs 35 kilos. (Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP) The Associated Press

BERLIN (AP) - What weighs 77 pounds, goes 50 mph (80 kph) and looks like a Swiss cheese on wheels?

An electric motorcycle made from tiny aluminum alloy particles using a 3D printer.

European aeronautics giant Airbus unveiled the 'Light Rider ' in Germany on Friday. Manufactured by its subsidiary APWorks, a specialist in additive layer manufacturing, the motorcycle uses hollow frame parts that contain the cables and pipes.

The frame weighs just 13 pounds, about 30 percent less than conventional e-motorbikes.

APWorks chief executive Joachim Zettler said the complex, branched hollow structure wouldn't have been possible with conventional production technologies such as milling or welding.

The company is taking orders for a limited run of 50 motorbikes, costing 50,000 euros ($56,095), plus tax, each.

They'll have a range of 37 miles (60 kilometers).

The CEOÂ of Airbus, Tom Enders, presents the first 3D printed electric motorcycle in Ottobrunn, Germany, Friday May 20,2016. The motorcycle was made of metal powder by using lasermelting technology. (Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP) The Associated Press

The CEOÂ of Airbus, Tom Enders, presents the first 3D printed electric motorcycle in Ottobrunn, Germany, Friday May 20, 2016. The motorcycle was made of metal powder by using lasermelting technology. The bike only weighs 35 kilos. (Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Categories
Content Providers Curious Nation and World News

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.