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Originally Posted by BurkeHalderman
Can you describe these mechanical failures that were caused by using 80/20?
I'd assume it'd be due to parts shifting in the T-slot profile. However if you simply drill through the 80/20 after positioning it using the T-slot then the problem is resolved.
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You're correct in your assumption. The problem, and it is a pervasive problem, is that in the rush of build season, taking apart everything and through-drilling all of the 80/20 parts that need to be through-drilled simply doesn't end up getting done - human psychology being what it is, I've simply noticed that it's not at all hard to leave something improperly constructed and sloppy on an 80/20 frame where, at a glance, it seems functional. Building final versions out of other materials ends up being lighter, not much more work, and ensures that everything ends up rigid and fixed in place.
If students (and mentors) were perfect, this would not be an issue, but as I mentioned earlier I feel it's as much a pedagogical concern as it is a functional one. I (and the rest of my team, from what I recall) got into a bunch of nasty habits in my early FRC years with 80/20 construction that took a while to break. I feel it is far safer to avoid them entirely.
I do think we probably ought to wrap this exchange up, lest we fully derail the thread; we could start another, if you'd like to continue discussing it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mman1506
We do
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Then the possibilities are endless!