The Lotus x Hope HB.T 2020 Team GB Tokyo Olympic carbon fibre composite track bike. A range of carbon fibres are used, from standard to ultra high modulus, depending on the requirements of each specific part of the frame and assembly. Epoxy provides the strongest matrix. The headset and handlebars, as well as other components, are 3D printed titanium (Ti-6Al-4V). In collaboration with Lotus Engineering, Renishaw 3D printed the parts throughout the development process using aluminium alloy (AlSi10Mg), enabling the quick turnaround of design changes. Using carbon fibre for these parts is significantly slower and more restricted, because new moulds are required each time a change is made. With 3D printing, the components can be outputted directly from the updated CAD file.
Relevant materials
Titanium, Ti-6Al-4V, Titanium alloy, Grade 5, Ti 6-4
Carbon fibre (CF), T300, Standard modulus, high tensile (HT), 1K, 3K, 6K and 12K tow
Carbon fibre (CF), T800, Intermediate modulus (IM), 6K, 12K and 24K tow
Carbon fibre (CF), T1000, Intermediate modulus (IM), 12K tow
Carbon fibre (CF), M35J, M40J, M46J, High modulus (HM)
Carbon fibre (CF), M55J, M60J, Ultra high modulus (UHM)
Epoxy, EP, Resin