Quote:
Originally Posted by courtney.john28
For the three years I've been on my team, we have always chosen to assemble with steel rivets that fit with stock versaframe gussets. There have always been problems with sheered rivets (especially during our 2014 season) and the problems seem to continue to an extent this season. I've started looking into welding to solve these issues but I was wondering what you guys think of this change. Is it worth the change? while I know there is time constraint since most teams outsource there welding, is it worth this delay? Would students be able to acquire the skills to be proficient at welding over an off season? How big is the difference in strength between a frame mainly assembled with rivets and one that was welded?
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Team 20 has welded robots for years, because one of our mentors (who has been around for 20+ years) is an excellent welder. Not only does it fasten our frames together and make them strong, but it's an incredible learning experience for students.
Now I'm working with 5254, who doesn't have that resource. We assemble things with Versaframe, bolts, and rivets.
Both teams have seen success recently, despite very different design methodologies and styles.
You don't need welding to be successful, or to build sturdy machines. Having your components built with geometry that works to strengthen your machine, having components be easily replaceable and maintainable, and having failsafes such that if one bolt breaks, your robot won't fall apart a result have kept 5254 machines (mostly) together the past three years.