Re: pic: Track System
 

Aluminum plates for the sides are really expensive. The belts that bought separately from a different company are like $300 a piece. The belts have steel wires running through them. 4 hard plastic rollers per tread; A few of the parts of each tread had to be made out of solid block of aluminum. The rounded triangular tubes that held the two plates together had to be made out of at least 3” by 3” by 3” of solid block and there are two of those per tread. The rear gear that drove the belt was made out of a massive block of aluminum. So yeah, lots of expensive materials.

For FIRST in general? I’m not sure. You would have to ask them. But I do know that Outback would be happy to sponsor individual teams.

Re: pic: Track System
 

What thickness and dimensions of sideplates did you use for th modules. I am asking all of these questions because I am trying to get a general Idea for how much it will cost to get the parts for our new 8 wheel drivetrain machined. Although if they are interested in sponsoring teams and donating machining then it only comes down to the material cost which I believe for our design is around $150 or $200 which is not too bad for a sweet drivetrain, but that is all dependent on their willingness to sponsor us.

Re: pic: Track System
 

I Don't think they have time for much else....What may cost $150-$200 in raw material costs would cost 15 grand in shop time. Brainstorming, CAD design/toolpaths, CNC a fixture, run the CNC, process the parts....ect.

I don't think most teams understand how much time and effort private businesses sacrifice to help with this program. Give Sam a call though. I'm sure he will give you his 2 cents on the matter....I may be totally wrong.

Re: pic: Track System
 

I understand what you are saying and acknowledge it, but we are not looking for design work or anything like that. I have a design completely done in CAD and just need someone to physically machine it, which cuts out a majority of the difficult work. Also I am really just wondering the cost for this and if they are willing that would eliminate the need for us to approach more machine shops to do our CNC work.

Re: pic: Track System
 

I will get back to you on the dimension after I go check it when I get home. Yes, I took a tread home to play with. :D

Re: pic: Track System
 

Each side plate is machined out of ¼ inch plate. The plate was at least 6 inches wide and about 30 inches long.