Let's get some aluminum extrusions

[archiver]

Posted by Andy Baker.

Engineer on team #45, TechnoKats, from Kokomo High School and Delphi Automotive Systems.

Posted on 7/1/99 4:51 PM MST



I've been thinking that it sure would be nice
to design the structure of our robots. Welding pipe
and angles is OK, but it's ugly, messy, and difficult
to change.

There are many companies out there who provide aluminum
extruded products with assortments of fasteners that would
make the design, construction, and debug of our 'bots
more efficient.

What do the rest of you think of 'Item' - type aluminum
extrusions? (www.item-products.com)

We use them all of the time making machines here at
Delphi... and the prices are starting to get reasonable.

What are your opinions and/or other vendors who would
be interested (80/20, Parker, etc.)?

I'll be contacting FIRST about this to see what steps
need to be taken in order to get someone like this
to provide kit materials and/or approved construction
materials.

Andy B.

[archiver]

Posted by Thomas A. Frank.   [PICTURE: SAME | NEW | HELP]


Engineer on team #121, The Islanders/Rhode Warrior, from Middletown (RI) High School and Naval Undersea Warfare Center.

Posted on 7/2/99 3:28 PM MST


In Reply to: Let's get some aluminum extrusions posted by Andy Baker on 7/1/99 4:51 PM MST:



Andy:

If you succeed in getting us some of this stuff, we will be forever grateful!

It would be so much nicer to work with, and the design possibilities would be
endless. (I keep thinking about HotBot's cart)

Go for it.

TAF

[archiver]

Posted by Joe Johnson.   [PICTURE: SAME | NEW | HELP]


Engineer on team #47, Chief Delphi, from Pontiac Central High School and Delphi Automotive Systems.

Posted on 7/2/99 7:40 PM MST


In Reply to: Re: Let's get some aluminum extrusions posted by Thomas A. Frank on 7/2/99 3:28 PM MST:



To all who wish for more and better stuff in the kit,

Grab the bull by the horns!

Find a source, find a contact, get some videos and brochures from FIRST, mail them a letter with said videos and brochures, follow up the letter with a phone call, discover that you have to contact someone else, start the who process over...

It is a LOT of work.

BUT...

When you succeed it is terrific.

Globe, Lear, Delphi, BEI, ITTA, Fisher Price, Grand Rapids Controls, and many other. All of these took many many contacts, but eventually came on board.

My main focus up to this point has been on sensors, motors and actuators. There is a lot of kit improving to do yet.

Join in the fun.

Joe J.

[archiver]

Posted by Mike King.

Other on team #88, TJ², from Bridgewater Raynham and Johnson & Johnson Professional.

Posted on 7/2/99 11:47 PM MST


In Reply to: knock yourself out... posted by Joe Johnson on 7/2/99 7:40 PM MST:



: To all who wish for more and better stuff in the kit,

: Grab the bull by the horns!

: Find a source, find a contact, get some videos and brochures from FIRST, mail them a letter with said videos and brochures, follow up the letter with a phone call, discover that you have to contact someone else, start the who process over...

: It is a LOT of work.

: BUT...

: When you succeed it is terrific.

: Globe, Lear, Delphi, BEI, ITTA, Fisher Price, Grand Rapids Controls, and many other. All of these took many many contacts, but eventually came on board.

: My main focus up to this point has been on sensors, motors and actuators. There is a lot of kit improving to do yet.

: Join in the fun.

: Joe J.



How about one of them swanky lift chairs that dean was demonstrating. (He was pretty clear on the point that it wasn't a wheelchair)


Mike