---
layout: post
title: 'Manufacturing: 3D Printing a Nylon Bicycle'
image: http://kinlane-productions2.s3.amazonaws.com/3D-Printing/3D-Nylon-Bike.jpg
author:
  name: kinlane
tags:
  - 3D Printing
  - Print
---
[Engineers in the UK](http://www.eads.com/eads/int/en.html "EADS Engineers in UK") are using 3D printing with a nylon powder to create a really cool, [futuristic bicycle](http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2011-03/3-d-laser-printing-builds-nylon-bike-strong-steel "3D Nylon Bicycle").

Guided by a computer-aided design program, a laser fuses together several layers of finely powdered metal, nylon or plastic.

The laser melts the powder, which solidifies according to a chosen pattern. Then more powder is added, melting and solidifying to add layer upon layer until the object is fully formed.

Its just a prototype of whats possible with current [3D printing and manufacturing technology](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing "3D Printing and Manufacturing").

Here are some other things I've seen come off the 3D assembly line lately:

*   [Space Stations](http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-11/3d-printing-orbit-could-streamline-space-station-production "Space Stations")
*   [Architecture](http://www.popsci.com/scitech/article/2009-06/print-out-your-next-building "3D Printing of Architecture")
*   [Body Parts](http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2009-12/3-d-bio-printer-fabricates-organs-order "3D Printing of Body Parts")
*   [Food](http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2011-03/cornell-culinary-institute-mashup-uses-3-d-printer-produce-edible-objects "3d Printing Food")

It seems like every week I'm seeing something new in the 3D printing and manufacturing space.

3D printing combined with web APIs are going to revolutionize manufacturing in the next couple years.