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Unread 13-02-2011, 23:53
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AKA: Andre Dunkley
FRC #1601 (Quantum Samurai)
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Re: 1/8th thick aluminum

Quote:
Originally Posted by sdcantrell56 View Post
For the same strength you will be extremely hard pressed to design a metal chassis with the same weight as wood. Baltic birch plywood is approximately 4 times less dense than aluminum. Another neat feature of the plywood chassis is the ability to absorb impact without permanently deforming, something that aluminum does not fare too well with. Using interlocking tabs and glues effectively creates one giant composite frame without the need for any fasteners saving even more weight over aluminum.

Ultimately it is up to the team to decide what materials to use but it would be extremely unwise to make blanket statements about a material without fully understanding it's properties.
OK I'm sorry I made a general statement about wood. But to every rule there's an exception and to every exception there's a a rule right? I admit it I spoke too quickly. *takes foot out of mouth*

It all really does come down to how you use a material though.