Bicycle Rack Manufacturing

A bicycle rack (also known as a bike rack, bicycle stand, or bike parking rack) is a metal or composite device used to secure and store bicycles, widely used in public places, residential areas, schools, stations, and other locations. Its main function is to provide safe and orderly bicycle parking spaces, prevent indiscriminate parking, and protect bicycles from theft or damage.

1. Types of Bicycle Racks

• U-shaped Racks (Inverted U-shaped Racks): The most common type, made of metal tubing bent into a U-shape and fixed to the ground, suitable for locking the wheel and frame, offering high security.
• Wave Racks: Multiple bicycles can be parked side by side in a wave-like design, saving space and suitable for high-density parking.
• Vertical Racks: Bicycles are hung vertically, saving floor space, often used indoors or in areas with limited space.
• Two-Tier Racks: A two-layer design, maximizing space utilization, suitable for high-traffic areas such as train stations and campuses.
• Loop Racks: Circular or semi-circular design, suitable for locking the wheel, but with slightly lower security.
• Creative/Custom Racks: Combining artistic or functional designs, such as racks with rain shelters or charging functions.

2. Materials and Structure

• Materials:
  • Steel: Such as galvanized steel or stainless steel, durable and corrosion-resistant, suitable for outdoor use.
  • Aluminum Alloy: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, suitable for high-end locations.
  • Plastic/Composite Materials: Used for lightweight or temporary racks, low cost but limited strength.
• Structural Features:
  • Typically made of tubing (25-50mm diameter) or profiles, surface coated with anti-corrosion paint or powder coating (50-100μm thickness).
  • Fixing methods: Ground bolt fixing, pre-embedded or mobile.
  • The design needs to consider the lock hole position for easy use of U-locks or chain locks.

3. Functions and Advantages

• Security: Provides a fixed point, making it easy to secure the bicycle frame and wheels with locks (such as U-locks), reducing the risk of theft.
• Orderly and Beautiful: Standardizes parking areas, reduces indiscriminate parking, and improves the urban environment.
• Space Saving: Optimizes parking layout, especially in high-density urban areas.
• Durability: High-quality materials and surface treatment ensure long-term use (lifespan of 5-10 years or more).

4. Manufacturing Process

• Material Preparation: Select Q235 steel, stainless steel, or aluminum alloy tubing/plates and cut them to the required length.
• Forming:
  • Tube Bending: Use a tube bending machine to bend the tubing into U-shapes, wave shapes, etc., controlling the angle accuracy (±1°).
  • Welding: Use TIG welding or MIG welding to ensure smooth welds without porosity.
  • Punching/Cutting: Process lock holes or mounting holes, CNC machine tools ensure hole position accuracy (±0.2mm).
• Surface Treatment:
  • Shot Blasting/Sandblasting: Remove the oxide layer and enhance coating adhesion (roughness Ra 3.2-6.3μm).
  • Galvanizing/Painting: Hot-dip galvanizing (60-80μm thickness) or powder coating, rust-proof and weather-resistant.
• Assembly and Installation: Prefabricated modular design, fixed on site with expansion bolts or embedded parts.

5. Design and Installation Considerations

• Design Requirements:
  • Spacing: Bicycle spacing of about 60-80cm for easy parking and retrieval.
  • Height: U-shaped rack height of about 80-100cm for easy locking.
  • Safety: Avoid sharp edges and corners, edges need to be chamfered or polished.
• Installation Requirements:
  • The ground needs to be flat, preferably concrete or asphalt ground.
  • Location selection: Close to densely populated areas, away from fire exits or pedestrian walkways.
  • Consider rain shelters or surveillance systems to improve user experience and anti-theft performance.