Manufacturers typically construct production model frames from steel or aluminum. While steel weighs more than aluminum, the material delivers cost benefits for the producer and a more rigid chassis for the rider. However, if brands could negate the weight gain that comes with steel, they could have the best of both worlds.
That’s exactly what Madrid’s Nebrija University set out to do when it partnered with multinational iron and steel company ArcelorMittal. By pairing Nebrija University’s intelligent design developments and competition vehicle experience with ArcelorMittal’s R&D might and additive manufacturing technology, the project established a new method for fabricating a tubular steel trellis frame: 3D printing.
