Quote:
Originally Posted by Chinske4296
Never trust inventors weight simulation. We tried it for our robot with correct materials and it was off by about 20 lbs
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I've found the weight estimates in SolidWorks to be pretty good (and I'd be surprised if Inventor is significantly worse). What I have realized is all the "small" parts we don't add in really add up. Doing a weight calculation for our intake arms this year, I realized that just the fact that we don't add bolts/nuts to assemblies made my estimate under by ~0.6-0.8lbs.
My preferred method (if we're cutting it close), since I think we're unlikely to get complete enough assemblies to just use the CAD model, is to create a spreadsheet and list out every part and its weight. For custom parts I get the weights off the CAD parts, and for COTs ones I just look at the supplier's website. This way I can ensure I'm not missing a part that ends up to weigh a ton.
In all, even if we have the proper weights for all COTs parts that we add into CAD, and the correct materials for all custom parts, I wouldn't be surprised if the CAD was several pounds under because of the bolts / nuts / wires / pneumatic tubing / chain / belts / all other parts we don't add in.