Trideus receives innovation subsidy of 50,000 euros

The provincial innovation subsidy wants to boost Limburg companies that join forces in an innovative partnership. Trideus believes in strong collaborations. We set ourselves the goal of introducing a wide range range of 3D printing applications in as many sectors as possible.

Within the bicycle industry, Belgian Cycling Factory, the producer of bicycle brands Ridley and Eddy Merckx, is one of the pioneers in applying this new technology. Together with Flanders Bike Valley (Beringen) and Trideus, they use 3D printing to provide professional cyclists with the material that allows them to deliver award-winning performances.

Winning a cycling race? That's pure science!

'A good bike is the absolute basis for a good sporting performance', explains Marc Metten from Trideus. ‘Professional cyclists therefore expect more and more from their bikes and accessories. Per individual bike we will look at which parts we can refine to obtain better results in aerodynamics.’

The actual development happens in 4 steps. Together with Voxdale and Belgian Cycling Factory we provide a design that will then be 3D printed by our experts. After the manufacturing process, every component is tested in the Flanders Bike Valley wind tunnel in Beringen (where Romain Bardet recently started preparing his 2019 Tour de France). After an evaluation of the results, the product is finally being developed. Or adjusted. The technology of 3D printing provides a significant cost and time saving compared to traditional development methods.

And there is more: developing a bike-specific mannequin.

Marc Metten: ‘The aerodynamics of bicycles, helmets and clothing are very dependent on the rider's posture on the bike. By using a mannequin that can take place on a bicycle in multiple ways, we can realize a more accurate product. Such mannequins already exist, but are expensive and not very flexible. By using 3D-printing there are countless possibilities to make rapid changes in posture. And at a much lower cost.’

Investing in innovation is investing in employment.

At Trideus, we are confident that innovation will not only result in new, ground-breaking products, but will also boost employment in the region. This subsidy from the Province of Limburg is already encouraging us to further focus on the growth of 3D-printing. The non-stop evolution within 3D-printing technology strengthens our conviction that many companies in Limburg can derive a great advantage from one of the many areas of application.

To be continued…