This new Airbike is crazy. It’s made of printed nylon.

Using a type of 3D printing technique called additive layer manufacturing (ALM), a high power laser is fired from above to melt a powdered material in a container. As the laser marks out a pre-programmed shape in the powder, the melted nylon solidifies making the first layer of the object that is to be printed.

The machine then sprinkles another layer of powder on top and the laser makes another pass, allowing progressive layers of the object to be built up. The printer eventually creates a 3D object – even including functional moving parts – that has been built layer by layer from scratch.    (for more, see the article on New Scientist)

It looks super uncomfortable, but also light, and also unique, and terrible for hills. But, the science is ridiculously fascinating and (maybe) has some cool implications. I’ll definitely keep an eye on what (if anything) happens with this or similar products.