Best of: Polycarbonate

[Laaba 80]

Originally Posted by Molten

A few things that has always interested me is teams that do all polycarbonate robots...First, what percent of the robot must be made out of a material to say that it is entirely made of the material? Obviously the motors and fasteners are still going to be different materials but is there a generally accepted limit? Secondly, what is the motive? Is it purely material benefits? A great deal with the sponsor? or even just the added challenge in designing around the material? Just something that has always made me curious.

Jason

We dont use metal for structural parts, the frame is entirely polycarb. If we have an option to make a piece out of plastic, or even better, clear plastic, we do it.
www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/34998
If you look closely, you'll notice we even made clear wheels.
Aside from our great resources to work with plastics, we also do it because it is cool. It has always been a goal to be as clear as possible, and our robots have become clearer every year. If you ever get a chance to visit our pits, you will also see the clear isnt limited to the robot, we have clear toolboxes, as well as an awesome clear battery charging station