Aluminum

[Alan Ing]

Originally Posted by Cory

They should. We used 1/2" axles with the ends milled down with a 7/16" hex for our wheel and sprocket to mount to. Haven't had a single problem. We also used 7075 for a series of ~1.5 foot shafts in our conveyor system this year. With 7 shafts at 1.5' ea, we'd have been looking at 10.5 feet of 1/2" steel shaft otherwise.

Using aluminum in certain areas instead of steel is pretty much the only reason we made weight last year.

Cory, if you don't mind, how did you retain your wheels and sprockets? Did you use an external retaining ring with a washer, did you just tap the end of the aluminum and just use a screw with a washer? I was thinking we might try this method since we have both a 1/2" and a 7/16" hex broach. I know you guys used a key before. What in particular do you like about the hex shaft over the keyway?

I have always thought your team's drivetrain was one of the best 6 wheelers but was surprised to hear that you used 7075 aluminum for the axles. I know your machine took quite a few hits during last years competition and to hear that the axles were only 1/2" 7075 is a bit enlightening.

Oh yeah, are you also using 25 pitch chain?