Quote:
Originally Posted by TankChain
I have never seen aluminum roller chain. I have seen mild steel, stainless steel and plastic chain. We have a partnership with a manufacturer which sends up parts before they get assembled into full chain. Because these chains are made in bulk the price for chain components is reasonable. Custom aluminum chain might be significantly more expensive. But we will look into it.
They do sell aluminum sprockets which would really help save weight on a robot.
As for the coefficient of friction on carpet; That is not really a simple thing to answer because there are thousands of types of carpet. I assume that people here only care about the regulation carpet for FIRST. Which I don't have access to. What I can tell you is that the treads are made from Shore 70 A Urethane rubber currently and the injection molded parts are almost the same material. This is very similar to the rubber in your car tires.
If you would be interested in doing some tests I can send you some samples. I would ask that you share your method and results. I also would like to be allowed to post the details on my website.
Josh
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Josh,
My team isn't in a position to test ourselves, but I'll share that FIRST uses cheap commercial carpet that is replaced every 1-2 events. The robots top out around 130-150 pounds wet, with the battery and mandated bumpers on. That might help guide your testing if you optimize for the FRC market.
Even if plastic chain isn't the best look for one of our drive systems, there are many years that call for conveyor systems inside the robot. This year could even see some action for that.
Hope this helps--welcome to our strange little world.
