Monobolt rivets on FRC applications

[AustinSchuh]

Originally Posted by Mike Marandola

Is that what you guys used on your intake gussets this year?

Yes, those are countersunk 3/16 rivets.

Originally Posted by Ronnie314

What is the reason for welding and using rivets with gussets? I have noticed you guys do this in a few areas. I would assume for extra strength and rivets/gussets make alignment pretty good while welding?
-Ronnie

The extra strength isn't part of the reason. They are riveted before welding so that the parts are pre-jigged when they arrive for welding. That makes it easier to get a better result.

[RonnieS]

Originally Posted by AustinSchuh

Yes, those are countersunk 3/16 rivets.



The extra strength isn't part of the reason. They are riveted before welding so that the parts are pre-jigged when they arrive for welding. That makes it easier to get a better result.

Got ya. I was wondering if that was the reason since we do the exact same thing.

[Travis Covington]

Originally Posted by Mike Marandola

I can't speak for 254, but I would guess added strength. Some parts on their intakes, like the little machined hinges, had to be welded anyway so why not? It is very minimal effort. Additionally, you would want parts that go outside your frame to be as rigid as possible to be able to withstand impacts.

We do this mainly for fixturing purposes. It makes the welders life much easier.

[Andrew Schreiber]

Originally Posted by Mike Marandola

I can't speak for 254, but I would guess added strength. Some parts on their intakes, like the little machined hinges, had to be welded anyway so why not? It is very minimal effort. Additionally, you would want parts that go outside your frame to be as rigid as possible to be able to withstand impacts.

I am not a Mech Eng but I do want to point out the opposite of this thought. Rigid is great but there comes a point where you can't make it rigid enough. At that point you should look into making it flexible. For example, the 16 beater bar intake is wonderful because it is nearly impossible to break. I've seen them rotate around 180 degrees without failure.

[Mike Marandola]

Originally Posted by Travis Covington

We do this mainly for fixturing purposes. It makes the welders life much easier.

That was my second thought. I was close to linking this thread were it was discussed.

Originally Posted by Andrew Schreiber

I am not a Mech Eng but I do want to point out the opposite of this thought. Rigid is great but there comes a point where you can't make it rigid enough. At that point you should look into making it flexible. For example, the 16 beater bar intake is wonderful because it is nearly impossible to break. I've seen them rotate around 180 degrees without failure.

I know my statement was pretty broad, but I think it greatly depends on the device. Some devices you would need rigid and some would benefit from added flexibility.