Nope, team 33 (I think). (They destroyed almost every section of the top part. I think 1 was spared.. lesson learned)

I prefer just welding the entire frame together out of 1 inch square aluminum pipe.

We bought 80/20
 

Several people pointed me to 80/20, http://www.8020.net. They carry both Fractional and Metric sizes of framing. They online catalog is the best.

We ordered 80/20's 1010 1" x 1" Modular T-Slotted Aluminum Framing for this year's robot. They are quick, one-day turnaround, and less expensive than Bosch.

Jeff, you should be able to get it locally from the Distributer Micco right over by 696 & Dequinder, I think you guys are working at the Tech Center this year right so it's pretty close.

We have welded it, it works. If the joint is critical we usually bolt through the extrusion instead of using the TNuts since as other people have noted the TNuts can break through the extrusion with enough force, however it will be pretty impressive if you break off a thru-bolted. I think the picture that was bent was a 20x20 on a tether that got pinned into the side of the field pretty hard.

Will Kidder - willkidder@kidderassoc.com
MICCO (Moddular Industrial Comp Co)
25831 Commerce Dr.

Madison Hgts, MI48071
PHONE: 248-584-4440
FAX: 248-584-1117

TOBOR V was made from Bosch (30/30)...



The stuff is fun, just like an erector set. It's strong too. If you plan on getting very physical (ramming people), then use the 30/30. If you plan on just stacking boxes and shoving people on the side, 20/20 should be fine, but it may bend a little. We used 30/30 but still bent it (about 1/2" of a bow) when we rammed a goal in a match last year @ ~12fps (we bent that bar with the polycarb bumper on it).

It's better to bolt the stuff directly, like how we did it. Brackets suck. We never broke a bolt.

http://www.item.ca/products/

This is a good online catalog.

If you want to order some of this stuff call item-midwest at
262-363-4800. They are our team's main sponsor.

Through bolting is usually not necessary with the higher grade systems like item and bosch.

Tobor was/is a great robot. Marge (our fair lady) proved robust and relaible, too (we used 20x20). I think we are using 20x20 again this year, but I may suggest a switch to 30x30 lite.

Welding is very strong, but can't welding cause base metal fatigue/weakening to the areas just outside of the weld on aluminum?

nothin' better than the bosch :)

Extruded strut pros/cons
 

Extruded strut is some excellent stuff. It is strong, but hard to weld because it is thicker/thinner in places. Also the anodizing make for difficult welding. We welded our frame last year and removed 10 lbs of nuts and bolts from the chassis!:]