ThunderHex inspired question

[InFlight]

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

I'd be cautious recommending this, what is "most shafting" to the average FRC team? Length between bearings, load applied, whether or not the shaft is cantilevered, etc... all will greatly affect what is required.

For normal FRC designs such as Gearbox shafts, intake rollers etc. with some reasonable designed bearing supports, torque loads only, and shorter shaft distances 6061-T6 is more than adequate. We do typically use 7075-T6 since it is readily available.

7075-T6 is not a solution to poor engineering design; with long unsupported cantilevered loads. Aluminum Alloys have only moderate Fatigue strength and shouldn't be used in this manner. For abusive situations like this a Steel hex shaft would be advisable.

6061-T6
Yield Strength 40KSI
Fatigue Limit 14KSI

7075-T6
Yield Strength 73KSI
Fatigue Limit 23KSI

4140 Heat Treated
Yield Strength 130KSI
Fatigue Limit 94KSI