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]
- Hub Axle- $1.25
- Hub Nut x2 $0.10
- Bearing Set x2 $.25
- PLA $1.50
- Front_hub_osat_my5777.scad
- Upload and link to all STLs
Tools needed[edit | edit source]
- MOST Delta RepRap or similar RepRap 3-D printer
- Drill bit for reaming spoke holes
- Open ended wrench
- Grease
Thingiverse link OBJ/stl/FreeCAD files
Skills and knowledge needed[edit | edit source]
- 3D printing
- Bicycle Maintence
- Bicycle Wheel Building
Technical Specifications and Assembly Instructions[edit | edit source]
How To:
- Print hub halves (approx. 1 hr per half at 70% infill)
- Load greased ball bearings into bearing assembly
- Secure Bearing Top
- Thread Axle
- Secure Lock nuts
- 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]
- Be sure to use grease on bearings and axle shaft to minimize early wear
- Use grease to hold bearings in bearing cup
Cost savings[edit | edit source]
- Estimate: $4.50 (with new parts) $1.50 with used parts
- Commercial Equivalent $10.00
- 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>