Bicycle Hub

The use of 3D printing in developing countries to replace broken or warn parts is greatly beneficial. The low cost printing can be difference between having a mode of transportation or walking. By printing bicycle parts the need to buy new parts will be eliminated. I have printed a bicycle hub using PLA as a prototype for a simple road bike hub. This model uses loose ball bearings which are not as ideal as sealed cartridge bearings when used with PLA. For future designs a sealed cartridge bearing should be used. The hub profile was modeled in FreeCad, rotated around the axle, then sliced with slicer and printed on a MOST-Delta Printer.

Bill of Materials[edit | edit source]

1. Hub Axle- $1.25
2. Hub Nut x2 $0.10
3. Bearing Set x2 $.25
4. PLA $1.50
   1. Front_hub_osat_my5777.scad
   2. Upload and link to all STLs

Tools needed[edit | edit source]

1. MOST Delta RepRap or similar RepRap 3-D printer
2. Drill bit for reaming spoke holes
3. Open ended wrench
4. Grease

Thingiverse link OBJ/stl/FreeCAD files

Skills and knowledge needed[edit | edit source]

1. 3D printing
2. Bicycle Maintence
3. Bicycle Wheel Building

Technical Specifications and Assembly Instructions[edit | edit source]

How To:

1. Print hub halves (approx. 1 hr per half at 70% infill)
2. Load greased ball bearings into bearing assembly
3. Secure Bearing Top
4. Thread Axle
5. Secure Lock nuts
6. Lace Wheel with correct spokes

• Assembly about 30 mins plus wheel construction time
• Total time around 2 hours

Common Problems and Solutions[edit | edit source]

1. Be sure to use grease on bearings and axle shaft to minimize early wear
2. Use grease to hold bearings in bearing cup

Cost savings[edit | edit source]

1. Estimate: $4.50 (with new parts) $1.50 with used parts
2. Commercial Equivalent $10.00
3. Savings of $5.50 or 55%

References[edit | edit source]

• <ref>Wheel Building: "Why Build Wheels?" Wheelbuilding. Sheldon Brown, n.d. Web. 04 Dec. 2014.<ref>