3D printing a set of hubs (or what ever I think of)

For me the exciting aspect of this project is the ability to make something the doesn't follow the traditional 'rules' of hub manufacture

exactly what i was thinking, but this is steel, its heavy as. im finding it hard to think of something that is different, and isnt too heavy. on the rear hub, i might consider adding a lattice between the flanges. can we think of anything that pushes the boat out a bit?

Could you improve the design of the flange by making it slightly cone-shaped so that it lies exactly in the plane of the spokes?

correct, but its a massive ball ache to implement into my model. ill mull it over and see what i can do.

heres the hub cut in half so you can have a look at the geometry.