Airless TPU tires and 28 MW of LEDs: the week's best hacks

In the latest Hackaday podcast, recorded on a summer evening, hosts Elliot Williams and Jenny List reviewed the most notable projects of the past week. The episode had a distinctly European flavor: the two met in person, and the topics ranged across developments from around the globe.

The star of the show was a set of airless mountain bike tires 3D-printed from fluorescent thermoplastic polyurethane. They look like they shouldn't work, but in practice they showed real promise. The hosts walked through the design process and discussed why the construction proved viable.

Also in the spotlight was a hybrid of a UV printer and an SLA 3D printer. This setup produces highly detailed and durable models, combining the strengths of both technologies. The conversation also touched on the prospects of new Amiga computers and the use of carbon-fiber fabric in 3D printing.

The episode wrapped up with a look at the tech behind the Las Vegas Sphere—the giant venue fitted with LED panels totaling 28 MW—and the hosts shared impressions from the BornHack hacker camp in Denmark, which they visited during the week. For listeners wanting more, a bonus unofficial episode of the podcast is available.