Thread: Frame Material
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Unread 22-01-2011, 12:17
zbanks zbanks is offline
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Re: Frame Material

In my experience, the kitbot generally works well enough.

Sure it will warp, but it seems completely worth the weight savings. If you notice that it starts to warp, it's generally easy enough to add extra support.

One year we decided that kitbot was too warpy and we needed to use a stronger frame. We built a double-tiered frame out of aluminum stock that is roughly equivalent to 80/20. That was a bad life decision. It still warped because the corners were the weak spot. It was also incredibly heavy.

Kitbot is a strong option if you don't have time to experiment with a lot of different things. It will warp, but the corner gussets are strong & its easy enough to add reinforcement. (80/20, although overkill, fits snugly inside the C-channel...) Most importantly, make sure the path from transmission to wheel is rigid: if that starts flexing, you'll encounter chain issues.