Electric motorbike races ahead thanks to stereolithography

Bike’s body panels are made with advanced UV-curable resin process

The “green” Brammo EMPulse RR motorbike uses body panels made with 3D Systems’ 3Dproparts stereolithographic process. It will debut in the first all-electric race at Mazda Raceway, Laguna Seca in front of over 100,000 spectators.

Stereolithography is a computer-controlled “additive manufacturing” method, using a liquid ultraviolet-curable photopolymer and a UV laser to build parts one thin layer at a time. For each layer, the laser beam traces a part cross-section pattern on the surface of the liquid resin. Exposure to the UV laser light cures (i.e. solidifies) the pattern traced on the resin and bonds it to the layer below.

3D Systems claims to have pioneered the use of additive manufacturing solutions for transport applications.

“We are proud to sponsor the new EMPulse RR race bike and recognise Brammo’s leadership in the design of functional, sustainable electric vehicles,” said Cathy Lewis, vice president of global marketing for the company.

Brian Wismann, director of product development for Brammo said: “Our relationship with 3D Systems is integral to our success. We depend on 3Dproparts to provide us with unmatched surface finish, durability and dimensional accuracy for all of our concept and race bikes.”

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