Re: Kit of Parts Frame
 

Was this testing done with 120 pounds on the frame?

Also what is the material that the frame is made from?

Re: Kit of Parts Frame
 

Testing was done with 130 lbs on the frame.

Material is 5052 H34 Aluminum.
For more information refer to the documents found here::
http://www.ifirobotics.com/kitbot.shtml

Re: Kit of Parts Frame
 

That HAD to have been a lot of fun.

-Joel

Re: Kit of Parts Frame
 

Welding may be more complicated. As I read the specs for the frame material it is 5052 alloy of aluminum in the half hard state designated by the H34 designator. 5052 is weldable but tends to cracking on cooling. The aluminum once welded needs to be heat treated to relieve internal stresses induced by the weld and this is a complex process. If you have it welded by pros they will know what to do and should inform you of this.

You might look into some heavy duty aircraft style rivets as they can be quite strong, lighter than bolts and not subject to the complexity of welding this alloy.

I know there are probably teams out there that have welded frames in the past but it is usually 6061 alloy and not so subject to the cracking problem. Just a few thoughts and best wishes for the competition! LRU.

Re: Kit of Parts Frame
 

Wow, I want to comment anyone who spent atleast an hour making/designing these transmissions and frames.

If you get a chance to look at all the documentation on http://www.ifirobotics.com/kitbot.shtml
you will be suprised at the amount of work put into this project.

This will be great for rookies! :)

I think these will spur much more competition than normal!

Re: Kit of Parts Frame
 

Wow, some of you guys must do a lot of smash em up because I thought they may be a little over kill for a frame. We are using it to test the sensors and camera but as a frame for us it is just a little beefy. I do have to say that it is one of the most convenient items FIRST has released since the little plastic hubs for the skyway wheels. For rookie teams this is an incredible advantage to have a dual motor transmissions and a frame to put it on. When we were rookies it wouldn't have been a question whether we were going to use them or not.

Re: Kit of Parts Frame
 

AND Veterans Alike!

Re: Kit of Parts Frame
 

The kitbot provided really is the best thing that FIRST has given in the kit for a while. It is not only well designed, but easy to use. While the transmissions are large and by some evaluations heavy, they are well designed, robust, and very easy to use. I think many people are falling into the classic trap of pride when they dismiss using these components. As a poor team with limited machining facilities, these kit components are simply amazing. We are simply switching to different wheels in order to get better traction.

As far as robustness, the frame is quite tough. As long as you put some thought into how you mount other devices and components to it, it will be more than able to withstand the rigors of "appropriate robot interation". The hole pattern on all of the frame rails make it easy to customize and mount systems to. I think that many teams may end up designing their own frames that are just as strong and more heavy, as well as their own transmissions that provide simmilar reduction but have less efficiency or robustness.

Whatever components you decide to use or not use, you should put some real thought into the reasoning behind the decision. One of the most important things to making a good design decision is to have a rationale for making the decision. Many people depend far too much on intuition and pre judging designs rather than on calculations and testing.

I want to extend my thanks and congradualtions to Paul and John, the creators of the kitbot. You guys did a tremendous job. We might have our best drivetrain ever this year.

Good luck to everyone

Rob