Last year, Californian startup KAV successfully introduced a custom 3D-printed helmet for ice hockey players, an innovative and much more secure alternative to outdated, traditional sports helmets. Recently, the brand has launched an optimized version, only this time thinking about cyclists.
After hockey, KAV has now focused on cyclists and their need for a personalized and protective solution too. The brand was indeed led to deliver a new customizable 3D-printed bike helmet. The use of this kind of technology allows one to come up with a design that is both slender and lightweight, when compared to conventional foam helmets.
Nevertheless what is more relevant about the upcoming protective gear is that it’s made to measure. Designed, tested and manufactured in Silicon Valley, KAV combines unique manufacturing techniques with the development of their own software, which results in the possibility to create a custom design and flawless fit.
KAV’s engineers introduce the client’s measurements into the machine learning algorithm that automatically generates a virtual model of the cyclist’s head. Said process then translates into a 3D printing procedure which ends with a tailored helmet. Final touches are done by hand.
It is made using FDM 3D printing along with TPU, a new proprietary polymer that is three times stronger than foam and 20% less heavy. No matter the size, this avant-garde helmet will always weigh 300g.
The 3D printed bike helmet does not compromise performance: on the contrary, the hex-based compression structure maximizes airflow and absorbs all impact. You can pre-order KAV’s new 3D-printed bike helmet on Kickstarter, and receive along with it a fit guarantee, a five years warranty and a crash protection policy too.
While you are here, make sure to check out ME NEXT 3D-printed sneakers and Aptera’s solar electric vehicle as well.
