#3DStartup: Personomic Offers Customized Bicycle Grips

Today, 3D technologies play an important role in the production process of many industries. This is because 3D scanners and printers make it possible to achieve what would have been unthinkable just a few years ago: mass customization or the manufacture of made-to-measure products. This is an advantage that medical institutions, among others, have recognized and are using for the treatment of their patients – for example, for the production of prostheses & orthoses and implants. In addition, more and more sporting goods manufacturers are recognizing the potential of the technology and are offering their customers the option of customizing the product design to their needs. In the past, for example, we have already reported on 3D-printed bicycles, helmets and running shoes. Personomic, a young startup from Germany, also wants to conquer the market with its custom-made bicycle grips and ensure that bicyclist’s hand complaints are finally a thing of the past. We spoke with founder Paul Eichinger about the company’s goals and next steps.

3DN: Can you briefly introduce yourself and Personomic?

My name is Paul Eichinger and I have owned 3D printers since my youth. I am so fascinated by the topic of 3D printing that I continued to study the subject in depth during and after my mechanical engineering studies. Currently, in addition to working in my startup, I am a lecturer for Rapid Manufacturing at Aalen University. At Personomic, we are working towards the goal of preventing and alleviating hand complaints with our products. In doing so, we combine high-tech with medical knowledge to make custom-made, ergonomic products available to many people at a fair price. We use DLP printers from Rapid Shape to manufacture our custom bicycle grips. Rapid Shape’s printers stand out for their high level of detail, printing speed and reliability. In addition, Rapid Shape is the only DLP printer manufacturer to offer stand-alone printers with automated part ejection. This allows us to provide fully automated mass personalization.

3DN: What are the advantages of using 3D printing for the production of the handles?

3D printing allows us to produce the right grip for each individual hand. Similar to orthopedic shoe insoles, the pressure can be distributed much better this way. Thanks to the optimized distribution of pressure on the hand, pressure peaks are avoided and nerves are no longer pinched. As a result, users should no longer get numb fingers when cycling. In addition, the grips can also have an individualized engraving as well as the user’s desired texture thanks to our customizer.