pic: 294 Prototype Base frame rails

[Borisdamole]

[cdm-description=photo]29041[/cdm-description]

[redbarron]

Nice Job any idea what the weight is on that, and is that a finished rail or are you cutting all the way through on those triangles.

[Aren_Hill]

ooh sexy toolpaths.:D it would be a sign you do to much robotics when you find toolpaths sexy.

how light did you get these?

[Borisdamole]

Nice Job any idea what the weight is on that, and is that a finished rail or are you cutting all the way through on those triangles.

well thank you for the feedback. The remaining material left in the "triangles" is only a 1/16 of an inch. This 1/16 of an inch add a significant amount of reinforcement to the panel. We debated the idea of punching through, but it just wasn't worth the sacrifice of strength for the little amount it ways. I don't have a weight at this time, but ill try to find out soon.:D :D :D

These, and almost all of the other prototype parts were cut at El Camino College, in Torrance California. Our Machine Tool Technology teacher has been incredibly helpful, and loves a challenge. This shop is a great place to work and there are always people to offer advice. I learned how to machine (properly) just over a year ago, when my dad and I took a class here. We have both learned a lot, and my dad is great at making parts like these on the Haas VF-E, vertical mill, and he is a dentist. I would highly recommend approaching any community colleges in your area and trying to get support and training. They can be VERY helpful!!!

[unclewaldo]

The plate [of which there will be 4] starts out as a 37.5 x 5 x .375 sheet of 6061 aluminum weighing 6.88 lbs.
After we are finished milling/webbing, the panel is 44% of its starting weight or 3.088 lbs.

This off-season project "Back in Black" has been the brainchild of our past team captain Adam Heard [now COLLEGE MENTOR] , and we [the Fabrication Subteam aka Monster-Fueled Machinists of 294 aided by the Machine Tool Technology Dept. of El Camino College & Northrop Grumman] have been desperately trying to get it fabbed ASAP so Adam can go off to college in peace. Along with this frame, we are fabing a modified version of the Killer Bees 4-speed transmission... hopefully from what we learn building this protobase, we will be 'very competitive' next year. Keep an eye out for teasers ....

For a look at "the big picture" go to www.bcr294.org (http://www.bcr294.org) and click on the black base just to the left of the Monster logo... our Top not-so-secret Summer base project ..

[AdamHeard]

Nice to see my baby starting to come together.

Goodluck with it at the fall classic, I think i can make it.

[robostangs548]

That looks awesome... Very cool!