Quote:
Originally Posted by IKE
Be careful with aluminum gears. When done right, there are some significant weight savings opportunities, but know that is is difficult to do them right. Aluminum has several properties that are quite poor for gears. Many gear experts would recommend to NEVER use aluminum. I do think they have their place, but you should be extremely careful and really need to know what you are doing.
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Lightening the steel gears, while not particularly FUN to do, isn't very hard and will get you a decent amount of the way there with regards to weight savings.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gdeaver
Composites can save weight over AL. If I remember correctly, This years arm which was made of pultrutions and polypropylene weighted 65% compared to the same structure in AL. Working with composite require methods that are different than working with metal. Do the research before using them.
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I'll put in a vote for composites as well. Pultruded fiberglass is very rigid, thick stuff with a low density. Fiberglass tubing is great for something like an arm.