Victoria University of Wellington
Graduates: 2024
Specialisms: Industrial Design / Material Innovation / Digital Manufacturing
My location: Wellington, New Zealand
First Name: Julia
Last Name: Sasse
University / College: Victoria University of Wellington
Course / Program: Industrial Design MA
Graduates: 2024
Specialisms: Industrial Design / Material Innovation / Digital Manufacturing
My Location: Wellington, New Zealand
Website: Click To See Website
The VAUXEL 3D printed bike saddle utilises personal pressure mapping data to create a customised material design, ensuring a comfortable ride. By addressing the discomfort associated with traditional saddles, VAUXEL aims to make cycling more accessible and enjoyable. The saddle uses auxetic materials that expand under tension and contract under compression, providing enhanced energy absorption and localised shape conformability. Pressure data drives the material modelling process, creating zones of varying stiffness to support the rider's anatomy. The use of material jetting 3D printing allows for precise control of flexible and rigid photopolymers, resulting in a saddle tailored to each cyclist's unique needs.