CML AT, founded in 2015 in Saint-Petersburg, Russia, specializes in the implementation of additive technologies in mechanical engineering, civil aviation, medical, instrumentation, robotics, oil and gas and consumer goods sector. The company develops and designs products and structures taking into account the features and benefits of additive technologies.

Recently, Triton Bikes, a custom titanium bicycle and unicycle frames producer based in Moscow, Russia, approached CML AT with a potential project. Triton was interested in redesigning the rear yoke for its latest bike model. This yoke is a part of the bicycle’s titanium frame that connects the rear chainstays and the bottom bracket. Triton let CML AT know that the part should be capable of withstanding a load equal to 130 kg. Triton also wanted to reduce the weight of the bracket, increase its strength, simplify the production technology, and reduce cost.

In order to design this part, CML AT knew that it would have to bring in a partner who was an expert in design and optimization tools. CML AT contacted CompMechLab, an engineering center and expert in design, optimization, and simulation tools, and requested a partnership for the project.

Mikhail Zhmaylo, a lead engineer at CompMechLab was tasked with the design and optimization of the yoke. According to Mikhail, “The current yoke was manufactured using a very complicated, time-consuming, and wasteful process. The part was CNC milled out of a titanium block in two parts. This was done so some of the material could be milled out from the inside of the part to save weight. Once the milling was complete, the two titanium halves were welded together. We knew we could use Altair Inspire to optimize this part and titanium-based additive manufacturing to produce it as one single part with better performance. Our goals for the redesigned part were to make it lighter, easier to manufacture, and also aesthetically pleasing.”