This is at the heart of LMX Bikes’ philosophy.
We are committed to offering high-quality, durable, and resilient models. The frames are made of 6061-T6 aluminum, a material used in the aerospace industry.
One of the main advantages of this aluminum is its high resistance to corrosion, stress, and fatigue. LMX bikes can therefore withstand falls and absorb impacts from sporty and off-road use.
Aluminum is also an infinitely recyclable material, unlike carbon.
The design of the prototype for machined parts and tubes is done in-house according to the design specifications. The tubes and parts are cut and machined to measure after an internal prototyping phase.
These parts are then heated to make them malleable, then cold-bent to achieve their final shape before the welding phase.
All frame parts are welded using TIG welding.
Aluminum TIG welding is a complex technique that requires alternating current and a specific manual procedure.
Once the frames are welded, a visual inspection of all welds is carried out before moving on to the heat treatment stage.
This is a crucial step in the manufacturing process, as it gives the aluminum its final strength.
After being welded, the frames are heated in an oven at 520°C for one hour, then quenched in water—this is the quenching stage, or T4.
This process helps normalize internal stresses after welding. It is also at this stage that the alignment of the frames is checked and corrected using a specific fixture.
They are then heated a second time to 190°C for two hours to reach maximum strength. At this stage, known as T6, the frames become so strong that they can no longer be corrected if defects are found.
One advantage of aluminum is that a defective frame can be recycled, preventing material loss.
A few final manual operations are performed on these frames, such as threading and reaming the seat tube.
Carrying out these operations last ensures that these surfaces remain unchanged, guaranteeing the highest possible precision.
Finally, the frames are cleaned and prepared for painting. They must be spotless and grease-free before moving on to the final stage.
For the finishing touch, the frames receive a powder coating. This extremely durable paint is applied in two layers, with a baking process after each layer.
It is only after all these manufacturing steps that the final assembly of the LMX takes place, according to the configuration chosen by the customer.