When it comes to 3D printing, the general public is likely unaware how far the technology has come from the days when making figurines and trinkets was about all many believed the machines could do.

Because of advancements in hard and soft thermoplastic polymers, metal sintering techniques and printing software and hardware platforms, 3D printing machines are capable of producing a wide variety of objects that can withstand a great deal of force.

That was TE Connectivity’s goal when it used 3D printing to build a working motorcycle. The company, which makes electronic connectivity and sensor equipment for the automotive, aerospace and defense industries, wanted to prove to its 7,500 engineers that 3D printing was up to the task of creating working production parts.

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