Design of Belt Wheels Using the 3D Printing Method

This article deals with the design a manufacturing of belt wheel for bicycles, with the help of 3D printing. The market with bicycles, that use belt instead of a traditional chain, is growing steadily. In the design process of a new bicycle model, you need to quick check, if the proposed belt wheels fit into the frame. Even in time of 3D CAD applications, a physical check is necessary to confirm the design. Also, a physical model is helpful to tray the assembly process. For small companies, it is expensive to buy multiple belt wheels, with different tooth numbers, just to confirm the proposed design. On the other hand, some companies want to use her own belt model, for which is no belt wheel for bicycles. Here comes 3D printing handy. This method if fast and flexible, and in small series can be cheaper then belt wheel made by traditional methods. This article deals with the problem of designing a belt wheel from a given belt model and different 3D printing methods for their production.