3D Printed Balloon Wheels in First Lunar E-bike Concept
The first ever lunar bike concept has been introduced by Hookie and named it after the microscopic animals that survive outer space; Tardigrade. With about the speed limit of 15 kilometers per hour(9mph), battery range of almost 110 kilometers (68 meters), and the 3D components on the tires and other part, Tardigrade has been developed. The model is now undergoing the test that is being carried out by the space agency.
The vehicle has 3D printed mudguards fitted on it along with the other 3D printed components like panels, and rim inlays which was build using UV-resistant thermoplastics and also the small parts sintered from nylon using the laser beams. Besides, these small 3D components, the main challenge was the construction of two balloon wheels. The ultra-light innovative wheels were under 24 inches in diameter, with the width of 7 inches and were capable to hold the weight of around 140 kilograms with ease.
Hookie used a cutting-edge method by 3D printing 12 polyurethane tread modules for each wheel, which were then directly fastened to the rims. This not only satisfied the demands of the Tardigrade, but it also enabled the development of an innovative tire system that allows damaged pieces of the tire to be changed rather than the entire tire, providing still another layer of sustainability to the concept.
However, the technology is still in the testing phase. It is believed that if the technology is approved, then it would be one of the greatest achievements in the field of 3D printing.
