Bicycle Parts E-16
Description
Bicycle Forging E-16: Compact Forging Integrating Base, Stud and Side Arm
Bicycle forging E-16 is a compact aluminum forging developed by Al Forge Tech (AFT) to the customer’s drawing. It combines a round base, a central upright cylindrical stud and a grooved, styled arm extending to the side. Small multi-feature forgings like this are used as seats, cams and connectors in bicycle steering, shifting or braking mechanisms.
Integrating base, stud and arm into one forging reduces part count and assembly steps, but features in several directions make metal flow more complex. AFT plans the dies with QForm simulation, hot forges the part, CNC-machines the stud, holes and mating faces, and verifies the relative position of each feature on CMM.
Key Features
- Round base, stud and side arm integrated in one forging
- Fewer parts and assembly steps
- Multi-directional features planned with flow simulation
- Stud, holes and mating faces CNC-machined
Bicycle Forging E-16 Specifications and Manufacturing Capability
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Product category | Aluminum Forging Bicycle Parts |
| Product No. | E-16 |
| Application | Seats and connectors for bicycle steering, shifting or braking mechanisms (to customer design) |
| Primary process | Closed-die hot forging (hot forging presses 600T–8,000T) |
| Material | Selected to customer specification; 2xxx, 5xxx, 6xxx and 7xxx series aluminum alloys available (e.g. 2014, 6061, 6082, 7075) |
| Heat treatment | In-house T4 solution treatment (8 units) and T6 artificial aging (7 units), set by alloy and strength requirement |
| Secondary machining | CNC machining (52 machining centers, 30 lathes), deburring, vibratory finishing |
| Surface finish | Anodizing (including hard anodizing), shot blasting, e-coating or painting, as required |
| Inspection | Zeiss CMM (4 units), hardness testers, spectrometer, fluorescent penetrant inspection line |
| Dimensions and tolerances | Per customer 2D/3D drawings |
| Quality system | IATF 16949:2016, ISO 14001:2015 |
Bicycle Forging E-16 Manufacturing Process
- Drawing review and DFM: we confirm alloy, load direction and critical dimensions, then run QForm simulation to predict metal flow and defect risk.
- Die design and manufacturing: the number of die sets (for example, blocker and finisher dies) is planned around part complexity, and die contours are checked with a portable 3D scanner.
- Hot forging: closed-die forming on 600T–8,000T hot forging presses creates a continuous grain flow that follows the part contour.
- Heat treatment: T4 solution treatment and T6 artificial aging are performed in-house, with parameters set by alloy and strength requirement.
- CNC machining and finishing: holes, threads and mating surfaces are machined, followed by deburring, vibratory finishing, shot blasting or anodizing as required.
- Inspection and shipment: dimensions, hardness and chemical composition are verified with CMM, hardness testers and a spectrometer, with lot traceability kept under IATF 16949.
FAQ
What are the benefits of a small multi-feature forging?
Integrating a seat, stud and arm that would otherwise be several assembled parts into one forging reduces part count, assembly steps and fit errors, and removes the risk of threaded or press-fit interfaces loosening. Forging keeps grain flow continuous between features for a more even strength distribution. It suits stable, high-volume mechanism parts.
How are small precision forgings inspected?
AFT measures feature dimensions and relative positions on Zeiss CMM, checks form and surface with a profile meter and surface roughness tester, and can use 2.5D automatic optical inspection for appearance and dimensional screening. Inspection items and frequency follow the customer’s drawing and control plan.
Can you assess forging feasibility while the Bicycle Forging E-16 is still in design?
Yes. Al Forge Tech works mainly as an OEM supplier, and our engineers can give design-for-manufacturability (DFM) feedback at the concept or drawing stage, such as adjusting thin ribs, abrupt section changes or draft angles to avoid laps and underfill. QForm simulation predicts metal flow early, and the results are cross-checked against our die design experience.
Can Al Forge Tech supply the Bicycle Forging E-16 from forging through machining?
Yes. Forging, heat treatment, CNC machining, surface finishing and inspection are integrated in one facility: 52 CNC machining centers (40 four-axis and 12 4.5-axis), 30 lathes (14 with robotic loading), plus broaching, burnishing and centerless grinding. The Bicycle Forging E-16 can be delivered as a forged blank, semi-finished or fully machined part.
How does a forged aluminum Bicycle Forging E-16 compare with casting or machining from billet?
Forging shapes aluminum in the solid state under pressure, so the grain flow follows the part contour and the porosity and shrinkage common in castings are avoided. Compared with machining from solid billet, a near-net-shape forging removes less material and shortens machining time. For a Bicycle Forging E-16 under repeated loads, forging balances strength and weight; the final choice still depends on design loads and volume.
Request a Quote for the Bicycle Forging E-16
Developing a new Bicycle Forging E-16 or converting an existing part to aluminum forging? Send us your 3D/2D drawings, alloy and temper, annual volume and finishing requirements. Our engineering team will reply with a feasibility review, die plan and quotation.
- Online inquiry: Contact Us
- Email: [email protected]
To compare similar parts, browse Aluminum Forging Bicycle Parts and our automotive aluminum forging applications, or visit About Us for our equipment and certifications.
