igus Introduces First Injection Molded Engineering Plastic Bicycle Frame for Advanced Bikes

Extensive testing ensures high reliability

Before going on sale, igus conducts extensive tests on all components. In the 4.000 square meter igus test laboratory, 135 trillion test cycles and 15.000 tests are performed every year. The bicycle test bench alone covers 250 square meters, on which all components such as wheels, handlebars and cranks are tested. The new Reco frame is no exception, says Hollmann: “We will be using computed tomography (high-tech imaging) to look for potential shortcomings in the first injection-molded bicycle frames (e.g. air holes in the composite material), and we will carry out all the relevant frame tests in the test lab.” Customers are able to take advantage of a 30-year warranty supplied by Advanced. To ensure maximum safety, igus conducts a number of tests on its products. “These are based on standardized tests, such as those of EFBE and TüV.” Hollmann emphasizes, “We also have our own tests, for example in our climate chamber.” Based on the data from these tests, it is possible to accurately predict the service life of igus materials under different environmental conditions.

As part of its transition to a circular economy, e-bike manufacturer Advanced Bikes has commissioned igus to produce its bicycle frames.

(Left: Helge von Fugler, founder and managing director of Advanced; right: Jan Philipp Hollmann, head of bicycle components at igus).

(Source: igus).

One-stop shop for the entire process: from planning to final product

“By choosing bicycle components made from high-performance engineering plastics, we are offering the bicycle industry a completely new skill set.” says Hollmann. In this way, we also want to attract interested OEMs to work with us to turn their ideas into reality,” says Hollmann.” By using engineering plastics, developers are able to think about product planning and geometry in a whole new way. igus is able to offer a one-stop shop for the entire process: from planning to development, mold making, mixing, testing, and production, right through to take-back of the product. Just-in-time production lines mean that igus is able to deliver quickly, which saves storage space for the customer. The made-to-order approach increases the predictability and profitability of the business.