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More input
This t-slot extrusion business is fairly interesting, that's for sure. It is expensive... but all brands are, not just IPS.
IPS is it's own brand, and there are many others, as mentioned above. Not only is there Bosch and Item, but also Palletti, ParFrame, Rose+Krieger, and many others.
Bosch has been sold by Small Parts for the past two years (2000 and 2001) after many teams requested an aluminum extrusion in the additional materials list... it was added in 2000.
We've used this type of stuff for the past two years on our robots and I've used it at work for the past 10 years at work (various manufacturers).
Here are my suggestions from what we've learned:
1. Don't use "universal fasteners" or "automatic fasteners". They will come use under the dynamic loading of a FIRST competition. Use steel t-slot nuts (economy style is OK).
2. 30x30 size is plenty big enough for these robots. I disagree with the point made above about requiring 45x45 bosch extrusion. If you use 30x30 properly, it is just fine... even this year. 20x20 is too small, though.
3. These extrusions are sometimes too heavy for this application, that's why I added the box extrusion (30mm x 30mm) and the tube extrusion (30mm dia) in the IPS small and large kits... This stuff is lighter and weaker than the t-slot stuff, but it works well for arms and structural support.
4. This industry is very competitive. Many of them say that "ours it the best, lightest, cheapest, etc.". The fact is that they are all pretty darn good. Your best bet is to go with a company which you can get a great deal with (or free stuff) who is local, so that they can also show you how to use it.
Good luck,
Andy B.
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