CML AT was founded in 2015 in Saint-Petersburg, Russia.
They specialize in the implementation of additive technologies in mechanical engineering, civil aviation, medical, instrumentation, robotics, oil and gas and consumer goods sector.
The company develops and designs products and structures taking into account the features and benefits of additive technologies.
Triton Bikes.
Recently, Triton Bikes, a custom titanium bicycle and unicycle frames producer approached CML AT with a potential project.
Triton was interested in redesigning the rear yoke for their latest bike model. This yoke is a part of the bicycle’s titanium frame that connects the rear chainstays and the bottom bracket.
Triton let CML AT know that the part should be capable of withstanding a load equal to 130 kg. Triton also wanted to reduce the weight of the bracket, increase its strength, simplify the production technology, and reduce cost.
“The redesign resulted in a 48% weight reduction in the part.”
In order to design this part, CML AT knew that it would have to bring in a partner who was an expert in design and optimization tools. They contacted CompMechLab, an engineering center and expert in design, optimization, and simulation tools, and requested a partnership for the project.
Mikhail Zhmaylo, a lead engineer at CompMechLab was tasked with the design and optimization of the yoke. According to Mikhail, “The current yoke was manufactured using a very complicated, time-consuming process. The part was CNC milled out of a titanium block in two parts. This was done so the inside could be milled out to save weight.
Once the milling was complete, the two titanium halves were welded together.
“We knew we could use SolidThinking Inspire to optimize this part and titanium-based additive manufacturing to produce it as one single part with better performance. Our goals for the redesigned part were to make it lighter, easier to manufacture, and also aesthetically pleasing.”
SolidThinking Inspire In The Design Process.
The team at CompMechLab set out to redesign the part with additive manufacturing. The team knew that it could likely use the current part and with the freedom of additive manufacturing simply print the current geometry. However, they wanted to truly attain all of the benefits of the process and knew they could use Inspire to achieve these benefits.
Mikhail noted, “In total, the whole redesign process of the part took less than a couple of weeks. Inspire definitely helped to expedite this process.”
Once the design was complete and verified, CML AT organized 3D printing and post-processing of the prototype. Electron beam melting technology by Arcam allowed the production of the part in Ti6Al4V within a very short time frame. CML AT is now responsible for all future production cooperation, as well as technical support for Triton Bikes.
While the original part weighed 198g and was produced with a very timely and wasteful process, the new part weighs in at 102g and can be produced in a single-step with little waste.
In total, with the new process and design, the part can be produced in two hours.
WHAT’S NEXT
The redesign of the part was extremely successful, Triton is currently working on finishing up the integration of the new design into their customized bike frame. In the future, the team at Triton, with the help of CML AT and CompMechLab may also explore redesigning the frame’s front yoke, as well as some of the frame’s structural nodes.
“In total the whole redesign process of the part took less than a couple of weeks. Inspire definitely helped to expedite this process.”