Hanglun Technology is the world’s largest manufacturer of titanium alloy bikes – having captured an 80% share of the Chinese market alone. With an annual production capacity of nearly 20,000 frames, Hanglun supplies brands around the world with some of the finest quality titanium alloy frames. Now, thanks to Farsoon, a Chinese industrial 3D printing company, Hanglun is offering 3D printed, lightweight, fully customizable titanium bikes.
Titanium alloy is renowned for being lightweight
, strong, durable, and highly resistant to corrosion – making it a go-to material in industries like aerospace, automotive, medical devices, and consumer electronics. However, working with titanium is notoriously difficult. Its unique structural properties demand precision in every step, especially during welding, which must be executed flawlessly. This level of craftsmanship requires exceptional skill – driving up manufacturing costs and, consequently, the final product price.
In 2023, Hanglun Technology invested in the Farsoon FS350M 4-laser metal 3D printing system – setting an ambitious goal to produce more than 50,000 titanium bicycle components annually using this technology. These components will be used in both high-volume production and custom models, with the focus being on delivering titanium alloy parts that offer superior quality, enhanced strength, reduced weight, and exceptional durability.
“3D printing is a game-changer in our industry and is leading the way in innovation. It pairs perfectly with traditional precision casting. Right now, we use precision casting for big production runs and 3D printing for those smaller, custom projects. This mix lets us create lighter, more complex, and highly customized bicycle parts. Plus, it helps us cut down on costs and environmental impact for small-batch production, speeds up delivery times, and makes the whole process smoother and more efficient,” said Yanpeng Yang, Vice General Manager of Hanglun Technology.
3D printing offers Hanglun the ability to iterate faster, improve structural integration, lightweight parts (reducing the full-frame weight to just 1.4kg), and enhance overall bike performance.
Farsoon’s 3D printed titanium alloy components also demonstrate superior strength and elongation compared to conventionally forged parts. Performance tests on titanium bicycle components produced with the FS350M-4 system reveal exceptional mechanical properties: a tensile strength of 1035 MPa, a yield strength of 998 MPa, and an elongation at break of 13.5%. These enhancements significantly extend the lifespan of the components.
