Custom Gearboxes

[Tcrump47]

Originally Posted by pwnageNick

So in general, aluminum for the plates and standoffs are fine. 6061 is a good general material for both, but the standoffs will generally just be whatever aluminum your supplier uses. You could do the plates out of 7075 for extra strength but probably not necessary. The fasteners can just be your standard stock 10-32, 1/4-20, etc. (I generally use 10-32 for gearboxes). I would be curious to know if anyone has tried aluminum fasteners and if that was even remotely worth doing.

I also know people have done plastic plates before, like acrylic/polycarbonate for example. I haven't done it personally though so I can't speak much to that; however it seems as though usually those are lightened less than an aluminum plate would.

Most teams generally machine their gearbox plates with either a waterjet or a CNC. This obviously comes down to what your teams resources are.

That's some basic info. Post any more specific questions if you have them!

Do you tap one plate or go all the way threw and secure it with a nut? Also for the standoffs, do you buy aluminum shafts and machine it or tubing?
Thanks for the reply!