Plastics for the award-winning Tacx bicycle trainer

Dutch company Tacx is a world leader in bicycle trainers, training software and bicycle maintenance tools. DMI has supplied plastics for Tacx's innovative and award-winning NEO smart trainer.

An impressive product

The new NEO smart trainer is a highly innovative bicycle trainer which provides an extremely realistic experience. The NEO Smart provides a natural cycling experience, even during ascents. This trainer has an error margin of only 1%, folds up for storage, and its total weight is less than 25 kg. As Tacx puts it: 'It is currently the most powerful, intelligent and quietest indoor trainer on the market.'

Tacx's requirements

But how can you make such a high-quality product? Tacx asked us what the best plastic components for the NEO smart would be. Another important requirement: Tacx wanted to be able to process the thermoplastics using their current machinery. Together with the designers at the Protyp office, DMI undertook extensive CAE flow simulation analyses. Using the results of these analyses, toolmaker Johan van der Wiel was able to create an optimised mould design (wall thickness, sprue diameter, sprue location).

De Monchy's solution

DMI advised Tacx about the choice of materials. Together with all those involved, a high-quality grade of plastic was selected. The material is impact and scratch resistant and also light and strong. It has an excellent resistance to high temperatures and UV light, it flows well, and has excellent gloss, and is easily processed and reprocessed. This does full justice to the sophistication of the NEO smart.
DMI supplies the plastics for NEO smart to Tacx. We also supported the development of the manufacturing process at Tacx's own plant and assisted with production start-up.

Awards

In 2015 this trainer received the Eurobike Award and the iF Design Award. That underlines the qualities of the NEO smart.

Want to know more? Watch the NEO smart movie.