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Unread 12-11-2004, 18:31
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That Awkward One
AKA: Mary Soltis
FRC #0051 (Wings of Fire)
Team Role: College Student
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Rookie Year: 2003
Location: Pontiac, MI
Posts: 221
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Re: which is better aluminum or steel????

Our team mostly uses aluminum on our robots, but for things that fall under great stress, like hooks, latches, and wheels, we use steel.

Aluminum is durable, lightweight material that can be easily cut, drilled into, and be bended into certain angles and shapes; not to mention it is inexpensive and abundant. But aluminum can also break under high stress and can also wear down more easily than steel.

Steel in incredibly strong, and can not bend as easily as aluminum. But, however, steel can not be cut or drilled as easily as aluminum. Steel is also heavy, and can be good for balancing your robot, but don't use too much! Steel is also expensive, making a 4X4 sheet cost about $40! The major factor, however, is that steel can rust, and can eventually break down after a long while; so if you are planning to use a robot for a long time, I suggest using as much aluminum as possible.