Looking ahead: the future of manufacturing

Looking ahead: the future of manufacturing

In the competitive landscape of modern manufacturing, the quest for productivity and efficiency gains relevance. As factories strive to meet increasing demands while maintaining profitability, the role of efficient machines has never been more crucial.

The future of bike assembly machines

The future of bike assembly machines

In the dynamic world of bike assembly, manufacturers persistently pursue innovative solutions to refine their production processes. The challenge lies in designing an efficient workflow, and the integration of cutting-edge machinery will revolutionize the industry. These machines not only augment production capacity and quality but also prioritize energy efficiency, data communication, error reduction, space optimization, mobility, and ergonomic considerations.

OCS hanging solution [Photo Riese & Müller].

Increase your bike assembly capacity

The bike and e-bike sales records during the pandemic were not just a hype. Recent market reports shows that the demand for bikes and especially e-bikes and cargo bikes, continues to rise. The current economic situation with the energy prices and rising mobility costs indicates a continuous high demand for different types of bicycles for coming years. This means that manufacturers need to secure their assembly capacity and plan for the future.

What makes the machine special is its ability of drilling at any angle, the outer holes can be drilled in an Axial offset and the inner holes can be drilled both Axial and Radial with offset.

Holland Mechanics acquires high-end rim drilling station

Holland Mechanics recently acquired the rim drilling machine from TSG group. This high-end rim drilling station is designed to accurately drill spoke and valve holes into carbon rims and other high-end rims.

The Mini_Ma saddle range utilises DDK’s new VMfit technology. – Photo DDK Group

DDK automates manufacturing of new Mini-Ma saddle range

FRANKFURT, Germany - Taiwanese saddle manufacturer, DDK, has around 150 saddles in its range. The newest addition is the Mini-Ma. On display at this years' Eurobike, the company has taken a 'less is more' approach with its latest product.

The third floor of the new smart factory is home to Marwi Group's fully automated pedal assembly line. - Photo Marwi Group

Marwi Group ramps up parts production in Taiwan with 'smart factory'

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - Bicycle parts supplier Marwi Taiwan Industrial Co., Ltd., known as Marwi Group, started production at its new 'smart' production facility late last year. Since then, production has been gradually ramped up. At Eurobike, Marwi founder and chairman Patrick Pai and his daughter, Marwi president Coco Pai told Bike Europe that fully automated production at the facility will start by the end of this year.

“The implementation of the Marchetti Airline is an important step in that process,” explains Dutch ID COO Michiel Dreef.

Dutch ID invests in Marchetti Airline assembly equipment

BEVERWIJK, the Netherlands - Optima Cycles has taken the production of its Dutch ID e-bike line to a higher level with the introduction of an all-new assembly line. "In order to guarantee our quality and innovation, production optimising is a constant process," explains COO Michiel Dreef. "The implementation of the Marchetti Airline is an important step in that process."

 “Earlier, we used to focus on wheel assembly only, but now we have expanded to rim making machinery also,” explains Puneet Madhav, Holland Mechanics’ South Asia Director. - Satnam Singh

Holland Mechanics secures strong foothold in e-bike assembly market...

LUDHIANA, India - Indian bicycle producers are expanding their portfolio and investing in e-bike production lines. Dutch bicycle machinery maker Holland Mechanics, regarded as an early entrant in the Indian market, has also started offering e-bike assembly solutions, focusing on the assembly line along with fo

Helix recently opened its first production line for robotically TIG weld frames. – Photo Helix

Canadian Helix starts robotized frame production

TORONTO, Canada - After a Kickstarter campaign in 2015, Peter Boutakis founded folding bike company Helix. The company expanded quickly and has recently opened its first production line for robotically TIG welded frames.

'Increase your assembly capacity and profitability'

'Increase your assembly capacity and profitability'

The market for bikes and e-bikes in Europe is still experiencing strong growth as a result of the global pandemic. With continuous increase in demand and at the same time, challenges in the supply chain, bicycle and e-bike manufacturers need to secure their assembly capacity for quick changes in the market situation.

“We have not only invested in new frame production techniques but have also established relationships with suppliers outside the regular supply channels,” says Dingyu Manufacturing CEO, Steve Zhu. Photo: Dinyu

Dingyu Manufacturing limits frame production time by 50%

NANTONG, China - Dingyu Manufacturing has developed a new concept for the manufacturing of custom-made frames whereby customers can choose from various dropouts, head tubes, motor brackets for Shimano, Bosch and Bafang systems. All components and tubes are designed to limit the number of welds to five.

Bike Machinery will become a brand of Mair Srl. managed by Mair Vice President Piergiorgio Gabellini, Sales Manager Carlo Cortinovis and President Alfredo Longhi (fltr.). – Photo Mair

Mair acquires partner Bike Machinery after two years of close...

TORRE DE' ROVERI, Italy - Bicycle production machinery and service suppliers Mair Srl and Bike Machinery Srl have stepped up their cooperation. According to both companies, Mair acquired Bike Machinery for an undisclosed amount and will gradually integrate it in its existing organisation. This process should be finalised by the end of this year.

Double your bike assembly capacity

Double your bike assembly capacity

The global demand for various bicycles has risen considerably during the global pandemic. In order to keep up with the increase in demand, bicycle and e-bike manufacturers need to secure their assembly capacity. Through unique and flexible assembly solutions, manufacturers can increase production capacity and at the same time improve work conditions.

Mastering mobility with 3D metrology

Mastering mobility with 3D metrology

Van Raam, a manufacturer of special needs bicycles based in Varsseveld, the Netherlands, supports disabled people to be independent in their mobility. Their products are build-to-order according to the individual requirements of the future owner. This means lots of tailor-made parts in terms of shapes and dimensions - which is a great challenge for quality assurance. GOM's ATOS ScanBox 6130 with the high-speed 3D scanning system ATOS 5 helps Van Raam's engineers work more efficiently, yet maintaining the high standards in safety and quality.

Thanks to the high-speed slides of the gauge reducing machine, throughputs of up to 40 spokes per minute can be achieved. - Photo AMBA

AMBA develops spoke production machine to meet e-bike specifications

AACHEN, Germany - The booming e-bike market has led to a growing demand for butted spokes which offer extra strength. This has led German machinery manufacturer, Aachener Maschinenbau GmbH (AMBA), to develop a new gauge reducing machine which can achieve throughputs of up to 40 pieces per minute in spoke blank production. This is many times over the rates achievable by conventional machines.

Baltik Vairas will invest in artificial intelligence solutions to help plan production more precisely. – Photo Baltik Vairas

Baltik Vairas continues to invest in bicycle production capacity

ŠIAULIAI, Lithuania - For the second consecutive year, e-bike and bicycle manufacturer Baltik Vairas will roll out an investment plan to increase its capacity. "In 2020 our sales reached €75 million and for this year we anticipate on a turn-over of €130 million," said Baltik Vairas CEO Žilvinas Dubossas.

For the final assembly of e-bikes, Holland Mechanics fully concentrates on the huge benefits of the ‘Airline’. – Photo Holland Mechanics

Holland Mechanics becomes turn-key bicycle factory supplier

PURMEREND, the Netherlands - The Italian bicycle assembly machinery maker Marchetti was taken over by Holland Mechanics in late 2019. The integration of both companies has reached its final stage. The take-over makes the Dutch wheel building specialist Holland Mechanics a turn-key supplier for all e-bike and bicycle assembly solutions. "Except for painting, we can now supply all necessary machinery for the complete assembly process," says Holland Mechanics general managers and owners Wouter and Maarten van Doornik.

The high-tech e-bike assembly line was put into operation at Lithuanian bike manufacturer Baltik Vairas this week. – Photo Ijssel Technologie

Baltik Vairas pursues Industry 4.0 with modernised e-bike assembly...

SIAULIAI, Lithuania - Baltik Vairas has taken the next step in the modernisation of its e-bike production. This week an all new assembly line became operational in Lithuania's only e-bike and bicycle factory.