Question on how to attach Pneumatic tubing

[Bgrill]

Hey everybody. My team is trying to attach pneumatic tubing to itself to use in moving the balls. We have tried several methods unsuccessfully. Are there any ideas on how we could do this?

[speedbuggy76]

I guess you mean you're trying to form belts from it? I don't think I've ever tried that, but have you tried heating it up already? That would be my first bet, but I could see it losing its shape since it's so hollow. You should check out polycord as a belt material. It has a similar diameter and is pretty easy to melt together.

[Bgrill]

Originally Posted by speedbuggy76

I guess you mean you're trying to form belts from it? I don't think I've ever tried that, but have you tried heating it up already? That would be my first bet, but I could see it losing its shape since it's so hollow. You should check out polycord as a belt material. It has a similar diameter and is pretty easy to melt together.

I am trying to make belts. i have tried heating it and it lost its shape and became weak. polycord is an interesting idea though.

[IrksomeZeus]

you might be able to use just the quick connect couplings if you just wanted a loop...

[speedbuggy76]

Those won't go around pulleys very well though, at least the ones of the size we expect to use. You could try using something to plug them together in the inside part of the tube, but even that might start to come undone after going around a couple times.

[Bgrill]

Originally Posted by speedbuggy76

Those won't go around pulleys very well though, at least the ones of the size we expect to use. You could try using something to plug them together in the inside part of the tube, but even that might start to come undone after going around a couple times.

We tried cutting the threaded part of of bolts and twisting them into the tubing. after a few turns around the pulleys they slip out.

[470-RBTX]

We use poly chord or drive chord for almost everything except the drive train, it's nice because you don't have to deal with chain-breakers, chains, sprockets and grease.


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[MrForbes]

I wonder if this link will work?

http://www.mcmaster.com/#urethane-round-belts/=ftfbhi

We are ordering some of this stuff to try out, other teams have used it successfully for years.

[ratdude747]

Originally Posted by squirrel

I wonder if this link will work?

http://www.mcmaster.com/#urethane-round-belts/=ftfbhi

We are ordering some of this stuff to try out, other teams have used it successfully for years.

yeah, it's good stuff alright.

[krazyman1013]

Don't use any pneumatic tubing for belts, poly-cord works much better and it is easy to bond to itself.