pic: Sheet Metal Chassis Prototype

[roystur44]

One of the cool things about sheet metal bots is that it is very easy to make multiple parts once the cutting/bending machine is setup. A second robot can be made in less time (minutes) than a tubular/extrusion based frame. Designed right the sheet metal frame tolerances are very high when compared to a cut, milled and welded frame. A sheet metal bot can use alignment pilot holes to locate brackets or use a tab and notch to locate parts during weld. I'm not saying sheet metal is better what I'm saying is it is a cost effective medium to make a robot out of if you have the right sponsors and mentors who can guide the students in the design.

A stiff frame is better than a flexible frame. The chain will stay aligned and taught. The manipulator will be more accurate and precise because it has a flat stiff base. Try shooting a ball into a basket on a trampoline. I've seen other robot drive trains just bend and break when ramming our drive base. We are building 120 lbs robots going 17' /sec. That is a lot of force on impact. Aim to build your robot light, stiff and strong and you can't go wrong.

[JamesCH95]

Originally Posted by Timz3082

Thanks for the feedback!
the gearbox is a toughbox mini with a 10.7:1 ratio built into the 1/8"" aluminum, this is a bit more reduction than we had last year and it worked great! by great, I mean we though it was the 2nd best drivetrain on the field! (2nd to 141 who had some crazy hyperspace swerve drive which after looking at for about 10 minutes, I still couldn't comprehend! I will now work on the modifications making this a more feasible, and realistic design! For the belly-pan, would there be anything wrong with using 1/2" Birch Plywood? It would be lightened and might end up lighter than aluminum, I will find out!

I like 1/2" birch plywood, 95 has used it in robot frames for year. I would highly recommend it.