Quote:
Originally Posted by TheModMaster8
Sheet metal frames allow you have a much lighter but equally strong chassy/robot compared to slotted tube, however sheet metal is harder to fabricate (bending it correctly) and can be dented easer, though i would definitely use sheet metal if i ever get the chance.
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I'll challenge you on that.
The vast majority of sheet metal is done with 5052-H32 alloy aluminum due to how easy it is to bend. This ease of bending comes at a strength cost. (Matweb reports 13 ksi for 5052 and 40 ksi for 6061-T6). More material is then required to make the sheet metal design strong. I'd be very surprised if you could make a sheet metal drive base that is as strong and light as a well designed tube stock drive base (and I've designed a number of sheet bases).