Attaching Plaction Tread to Delrin Cylinders

[David Guzman]

We have been using tiny wood screws on UHMW wheels for many years and have never had any issues. We also did this on Delrin rollers last year, makes replacing the tread very easy.

When we replace the tread we attach it again in a different spot and never have to worry about lining up with any existing holes. Works great.

We actually make Aluminum wheel "rims" and an outer disk of UHMW just so we can easily replace the tread using small wood screws. All you need is about 1/4" of material and maybe 6-8 screws per wheel.

[Brandon Zalinsky]

Reading through the posts, I was wondering what you guys would suggest to use for a head type. I was thinking a hex head tek screw wouldn't be ideal because you'd have the bump sticking out from your wheel. This makes me think counter-sunk screws would be the best. However, since counter-sinking plaction tread would be pretty hard, would just plowing the screw into the tread until it's level do? It just seems like head type could be an issue.

[Billfred]

We've always done it with short wood screws when we couldn't rivet; we've never needed to change them enough times over a robot's service life that it was necessary to be fancier.

[David Guzman]

Originally Posted by Flak-Bait

Reading through the posts, I was wondering what you guys would suggest to use for a head type. I was thinking a hex head tek screw wouldn't be ideal because you'd have the bump sticking out from your wheel. This makes me think counter-sunk screws would be the best. However, since counter-sinking plaction tread would be pretty hard, would just plowing the screw into the tread until it's level do? It just seems like head type could be an issue.

We use small phillips screws or flat head wood screws. No need to counter sink. Once you screw it in the head of the screw will hide under the rubber pretty nicely.

[DonRotolo]

Agreed. It doesn't need to be flush, just lower than the rubber. Try a flat head, or maybe a Truss or Flat Filister.

[roystur44]

You should try low profile drilling screws

Mcmaster 94090A100 or 92715A320

They are almost like a pop rivet but are removable