Can't find that part you need? Consider 3D printing it.

I came across this website today (http://www.shapeways.com) but there are a couple of others too. The premise of this site is that the average person doesn't have $1K to $3K to spend on a 3D printer, supplies, maintenance, etc but most people have a computer or a mobile device that can access an App Store. Using any of the popular design or CAD software out there, or an equivalent mobile app on your tablet, you can basically design the part you need or want and then upload that designed part and have it made for you in plastic, aluminum or titanium. Normally this one-off form of prototyping is prohibitively expensive but look at some of these examples I found below. Spoiler alert: I couldn't find any designs already submitted for Grafton shifter mounts or parts for a Cunningham racer but if you're talented with a computer or know your way around the design software programs you could design them. It also looks like there are design consultants who you can work with if you don't know your way around the design software (like me) and they'll do the design work for subsequent printing. I know these aren't the same as the originals, but when certain hen's teeth parts seem forever out of reach it's neat to know there's an alternative that's accessible financially.

Links:
Gripshift: http://www.shapeways.com/product/LMMU2P ... d=11424146

Rockshox part: http://www.shapeways.com/product/XU4NNA ... d=56207687

Toe clips: http://www.shapeways.com/product/YRHU24 ... d=14168380

Cannondale disk brake adapter: http://www.shapeways.com/product/TZDJYF ... d=27316823

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Are you sure about the aluminium?

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Rampage":28oorg4s said:

Are you sure about the aluminium?

Click to expand...

http://3dprinting.com/metal/3d-printing-metal/

http://www.inkpal.com/ink-news/3d-print ... ld-copper/

It wont be too long before whole bicycle is printed.

* Already here!

http://www.pinkbike.com/news/Worlds-fir ... -2014.html

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^^ Wasn't cheap. Wonder what the future holds for the bike trade when you can print your own bike. Sure peeps will rip off the design programmes and print themselves top end rigs.