Sheet metal vs Tubing Chassis

[lewislongbottom]

Our team used sheet-metal parts last year on both our chassis and multiple mechanisms, we learnt quite a few things... Mainly that by adding flanges to plates, you can greatly enhance the strength of parts even if the flange isn't long. The small things make a difference. We had a great turnaround time of 3-4 days so that was awesome. One thing to note is that a relationship with a fabrication sponsor can be greatly improved if you have strong communication with them, in other words, be very organized and straight forward and respect that they are providing this service free of charge and that you aren't their top priority. P.S. (Using the same software as your Fab Sponsor is also great because they can easily make changes to the part if necessary, and again helps in communication)

We have designed a WCD Chain-In Tube chassis this off-season, so we are wanting to see how that comes out. It does provide quite a lot of advantages, but with any system there are dis-advantages. We really like designing with "tubes", either it be 1" x 1" or 2" x 1". Interfacing your superstructure with your chassis can be difficult for some teams, but if you use a similar construction and design method, it can be somewhat simplified.

Good Luck! And congrats with going to Worlds last season, it was our first time too!!