My team broke an axle, the #25 chain attached to it was fine.

Greg

cutting weight by drilling sprockets
 

This is our 3rd year and we have always used #35 chain and sprockets for our drive-train because it basically within our capabilities to do so. This year we have some large 45 tth sprockets which are quite heavy. Does anyone have experience in cutting hole patterns in these? What size and pattern should one use to lighten them without weakening them severely? Is there some information available for performing such operations?:rolleyes:

APS

Team #499

The last couple of years, to tension our chain, our mechs have used pieces of Delrin strategically placed where the chain comes near a convenient mounting place.

35 chain makes a bold manly statement about your bot.

thats all there is to it.

We've always used 35, but we're considering going to 25 this year. We have the necessary material, but we have 35 on the bot right now. It would save us some weight, so we're thinking about it.

The only time I've ever seen #25 break on a robot was when it was improperly installed. If all driven or driving sprockets (i.e. all sprockets that are not idlers) have chain going at least 180 degrees around them, you shouldn't break chain. Also, make sure that you don't twist or bend the master links as you install them. Too many master links break because of improper installation.

All I would say is use the correct chain for the right purpose. We used #40 chain on our drive this year but we did something with our drive I haven't seen and was not sure if #35 chain was able to withstand the side-load that #40 can...I hope. Just check the specs and realize bigger is not always better.

Here is what we did with our #40 chain and do you really think #25 or #35 would work as good?

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/pi...&quiet=verbose

Just my input on chain.........

Nice tracks! I think #35 would have worked, not sure about #25. Maybe the Technokats can answer this: what chain did you use for your treads last year? They did a similar thing, but I don't know which type of chain they used.

35 is uber 1337

I can not tell by looking at their picture but it definitely is not #40 chain but the way it is constructed it looks as if it would slide sideways verse our that well....doesn't. But I would also love to know what chain the TechnoKats used.