Islabikes calling it a day

[Bonefishblues]

In the era of 3D printing I very much doubt even non-standard parts' breakage is too much of an issue.

Hmmm plastic hangers !

Why would you 3D print the hanger in plastic? Even Reynolds of tubing fame use 3D printing now for stainless BB assemblies.

I had assumed it was based on the misapprehension that 3D printing was only possible with plastic, hence my response, but interesting to see an actual printed metal cycle part 'in the flesh'.

[mattheus]

In the era of 3D printing I very much doubt even non-standard parts' breakage is too much of an issue.

How feasible/affordable would that be for a one-off?

(e.g. gear hanger)

[Jdsk]

3D printed metal parts can be about as strong as traditionally manufactured parts.

The crucial step is getting the CAD files for the proprietary components. With those it's then possible to choose from an ever-increasing range of manufacturing methods.

Jonathan

[mattheus]

3D printed metal parts can be about as strong as traditionally manufactured parts.

The crucial step is getting the CAD files for the proprietary components. With those it's then possible to choose from an ever-increasing range of manufacturing methods.

Jonathan

So are you saying: "it can be done." ?

If so; thanks, but that's not what I asked!!

[Nearholmer]

e.g. gear hanger)

I think gear hangers are CNC milled. If I’m right: very possible/simple for someone with access to the right material and machine, which I think is how come there are specialists who make and stock ‘every gear hanger under the sun’ (except the actual one you need!).

[Jdsk]

e.g. gear hanger)

I think gear hangers are CNC milled. If I’m right: very possible/simple for someone with access to the right material and machine, which I think is how come there are specialists who make and stock ‘every gear hanger under the sun’ (except the actual one you need!).

Yes, most are flat with a few raised and recessed bits. With current technology it's probably most convenient to start with computerised cutting and finish with computerised milling. The crucial part for the future is the design spec: then you can use whatever technology you choose.

Jonathan

[Bonefishblues]

3D printed metal parts can be about as strong as traditionally manufactured parts.

The crucial step is getting the CAD files for the proprietary components. With those it's then possible to choose from an ever-increasing range of manufacturing methods.

Jonathan

So are you saying: "it can be done." ?

If so; thanks, but that's not what I asked!!

I contacted a 3D printing company for you. Unfortunately they took some time to answer the chat with a follow up question, at which point I had gone off to make lunch.

[mattheus]

3D printed metal parts can be about as strong as traditionally manufactured parts.

The crucial step is getting the CAD files for the proprietary components. With those it's then possible to choose from an ever-increasing range of manufacturing methods.

Jonathan

So are you saying: "it can be done." ?

If so; thanks, but that's not what I asked!!

I contacted a 3D printing company for you. Unfortunately they took some time to answer the chat with a follow up question, at which point I had gone off to make lunch.

That's quite understandable - thankyou for trying. :- )

[Pinhead]

In the era of 3D printing I very much doubt even non-standard parts' breakage is too much of an issue.

Hmmm plastic hangers !

Why would you 3D print the hanger in plastic? Even Reynolds of tubing fame use 3D printing now for stainless BB assemblies.

I was joking !!!!!

[Brucey]

when I last looked at an Islabike, they had nothing on them that could't be replaced, repaired or made again..IIRC the main obstacle to replacement was indeed identification.
btw the typical manufacturing route for gear hangers is, I think, to cast them, and then tap the threads. I have yet to see the gear hanger I couldn't have made cheaper/better/more quickly from welded steel though.

[Nearholmer]

I couldn't have made cheaper/better/more quickly from welded steel though.

Wouldn’t making one from steel defeat the ‘sacrificial’ purpose? I suppose you could incorporate a deliberate failure point.

Making one by hand from aluminium wouldn’t be a huge job if you had access to suitable material, a pillar drill, and the right taps …… but I guess most of I don’t.

[JerseyJoe]

That's a shame, I bought two Islabikes for the kids and they have now passed them onto their kids. Tough bits of stuff!

[Jupestar]

That's a shame, I bought two Islabikes for the kids and they have now passed them onto their kids. Tough bits of stuff!

Probably part of the issue they had. I brought an Islabike for my Nephew probably 9 years ago. and i brought it second hand back then.
Its been handed around for those years 6 children have learnt to ride on it. Now its back for my youngest. I brought 2 sizes up and its going through a similar circle of use. They last so long eventually there is not enough new sales i guess.

[mattheus]

That's a shame, I bought two Islabikes for the kids and they have now passed them onto their kids. Tough bits of stuff!

Probably part of the issue they had. I brought an Islabike for my Nephew probably 9 years ago. and i brought it second hand back then.
Its been handed around for those years 6 children have learnt to ride on it. Now its back for my youngest. I brought 2 sizes up and its going through a similar circle of use. They last so long eventually there is not enough new sales i guess.

Plenty of products make money by having a reputation for reliability and longevity.

You might need to rejig your business model, but it doesn't need to be a problem! [see Rolex watches, old Mercedes cars, land ... ]

[Bonefishblues]

That's a shame, I bought two Islabikes for the kids and they have now passed them onto their kids. Tough bits of stuff!

Probably part of the issue they had. I brought an Islabike for my Nephew probably 9 years ago. and i brought it second hand back then.
Its been handed around for those years 6 children have learnt to ride on it. Now its back for my youngest. I brought 2 sizes up and its going through a similar circle of use. They last so long eventually there is not enough new sales i guess.

Plenty of products make money by having a reputation for reliability and longevity.

You might need to rejig your business model, but it doesn't need to be a problem! [see Rolex watches, old Mercedes cars, land ... ]

Agree. I think the issue was that where Isla led, others followed, and there are now lots of companies building kids' bikes, and at lower cost than they were able to achieve.