Lexan side panel thickness?

[RichardJames]

if you have a full frame for it go 1/16, especially if it`s a large area you have to cover. it`s cheaper, lighter, and usually just as effective. The only time our team uses 1/8 is to cover our electrical panel, or where there`s one side with no framing.

we`ve covered huge areas and just attached it with velcro, and even some of the toughest blows have not gone through. (I don`t know if velcro is still legal... anyone?)

only thing to think of is maybe bringing a spare just in case.

[JB987]

Originally Posted by RichardJames

if you have a full frame for it go 1/16, especially if it`s a large area you have to cover. it`s cheaper, lighter, and usually just as effective. The only time our team uses 1/8 is to cover our electrical panel, or where there`s one side with no framing.

we`ve covered huge areas and just attached it with velcro, and even some of the toughest blows have not gone through. (I don`t know if velcro is still legal... anyone?)

only thing to think of is maybe bringing a spare just in case.

velcro is legal...

[DonRotolo]

1/16" is plenty for scrape protection, especially if supported.

For impact protection, thicker is better - BUT aren't you guys thinking about bumpers for this year? If so, let THEM be your side protection.

Although they must be made from 3/4" plywood, you don't want CDX (the plain builder's plywood) --- use hardwood plywood (not the luan stuff Home Depot sells, but Maple, Birch or Oak, also known as marine plywood or aviation plywood) as it is really strong - I mean realllly strong. And, there's no weight*!!

Don

*well, not included with the robot, and enough to surround your entire bot won't exceed 15 pounds either...

[Mike Starke]

At the Ruckus, GRR put 1/4" polycarb on the sides of the robots. We could kick, punch, launch tools, etc. at them all day long and nothing would happen. Remember, you'll need to make sure the lexan/polycarb is securely fastened in many different points if you want it to work properly and to its potential.

[John Gutmann]

If you use 1/2" and up your robot will be bullet proof for small arms fire....