Oh so many techniques and materials...
2001:
We used Bosch 30 series extruded Aluminum and steel sheet metal for mounting the lightweight components. The connectors for the Bosch got to be a bit pricey.
2002:
We switched to 80/20 1" extrusion and T-nuts and such. Great for new teams, easy to make adjustments. But in the end it can get used for too many things and your robot is heavy. Used 1/8" Aluminum plate to mount things to.
2003:
80/20 Extrustion 1" extrusion again with some 1" Al angle here and there. Used 1/4" Lexan to mount electronics to.
2004:
1" Al 6061 Tubing (1/8") welded together by students. Used 1/8" Lexan to mount electronics.
2005:
3/4"x1.5" Al 6061 Tubing (1/8") and C-channel welded by students. Used 1/8" lexan for mounting components
2006:
1"x2" Al 6061 Tubing and C-channel again welded by students. 1/8" Lexan for the electronics
2007:
1"x2" Al 6061 Tubing and C-channel again but welded by sponsor. Custom made
Fiberglass panel that when under the robot. Used 1/4" foam core and included hard points for mounting compresser and electronics. Now we now how to do this, we will be doing this each year.