New Atlas

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3D-printed internet-connected bike gets 140-grand pricetag

Ben Coxworth January 16, 2019

It was a couple of years ago that Cerevo first unveiled its high-tech limited-edition Orbitrec road bike. Now, the Japanese consumer electronics manufacturer has announced pricing – the bike will cost you a whopping US$140,000, although that figure includes two return trips to Tokyo.

The Orbitrec's custom-fit frame consists of carbon fiber tubes joined together by 3D-printed titanium lugs

Automotive

Koenigsegg's ultimate tribute to carbon fiber: The bare-naked KNC Regera

Loz Blain December 9, 2018

Hypercar buyers love carbon fiber, and Koenigsegg has just released the carbon-iest hypercar ever with this "naked carbon'" KNC Regera, which strips away any lacquer, varnish and even the thin layer of epoxy, to present a car finished in nothing but bare carbon fiber.

Koenigsegg's KNC Regera features unpainted carbon body panels that have had even the epoxy polished off ...

Materials

Boeing's airplane composite material waste to be recycled into cars and consumer goods

David Szondy December 6, 2018

On Monday, Boeing announced a new partnership with British-based ELG Carbon Fibre to recycle carbon composites left over from production at 11 Boeing manufacturing sites that will reduce solid waste by one million pounds (453,000 kg) per year.

A partnership between Boeing and ELG Carbon Fibre will see the recycling of scrap carbon composites ...

Electronics

Can carbon fiber car panels double as energy storage materials?

Nick Lavars October 18, 2018

Carbon fiber as we know it is one of the most impressive materials in our toolkit, but could it also play a role in energy storage? One team of scientists has been exploring the possibilities, raising some interesting possibilities for weight-saving vehicle design.

Can carbon fiber store energy for electric vehicles, as well as serve as structural elements?

Bicycles

Limited carbon fiber e-bike built for street and off-road motoring

Paul Ridden July 4, 2018

Last year, e-bike veteran Optibike introduced what it described as the best bike the company had ever made, and the most fun to ride. Now a special carbon fiber edition R15 has been announced, with a redesigned frame and a top motor-only speed of 28 mph.

The Optibike R15C in its natural environment

Materials

Coiled carbon fiber artificial muscle lifts 12,000 times its own weight

Michael Irving April 18, 2018

Researchers from the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois have developed an artificial muscle made of carbon fiber and rubber that can lift over 12,000 times its own weight.

A coiled, carbon fiber-based artificial muscle developed at the University of Illinois

Motorcycles

BMW claims it's developed a process for fast, cheap carbon composite chassis manufacture

Loz Blain April 3, 2018

Carbon-loving motorcycle and sportscar fans will be interested to learn that BMW says it's cracked the problem of quick, cost-effective carbon composite manufacturing of chassis parts. If this results in a flood of lightweight carbon-framed motorcycles, we consider ourselves ready.

The carbon frame from 2017's BMW HP4 Race - hopefully new production techniques will bring lots ...

Bicycles

One-off bike is as sweet as Pi

Ben Coxworth March 14, 2018

If you didn't know already, March 14th is Pi Day, as in 3/14 or 3.14. In observance of the occasion, Amsterdam-based "international ideas company" WE ARE Pi has created what it claims is the world's first rideable PiCycle – it's a fixie bike that's shaped like the Greek letter π, the symbol for Pi.

Materials

Carbon fiber waste used to improve water-draining concrete

Ben Coxworth March 1, 2018

Although the production of carbon fiber goods may be steadily increasing, recycling the material still remains challenging. It may soon be possible, however, to grind up carbon fiber waste and use it in new-and-improved pervious concrete.

A sample of the carbon fiber-augmented material produced by the researchers

Marine

Carbon fiber meets copper and teak in luxury canoe

Ben Coxworth February 26, 2018

For many people, canoes are something that should be rustic and understated. If you aren't among those people, however, then you might like the exquisite Monocoque Paddle Canoe from Milan-based design firm Borromeo & De Silva.

Borromeo & De Silva's Monocoque Paddle Canoe