American Robot Season 2 Episode 3!

[Rob]

As far as producing CAD for every aspect of the machine, we do not do that. We do however, design those parts that seem "randomly" made in the video.

keep in mind that if you don't have precision machining equipment, CAD can be as much of an enemy as a savior. If we designed all aspects in CAD but then manufacture with hand tools, our tolerances could be so out of line that the design might not work.

For items such as the bent tube in the arm support, we simply define an acceptable range that the part can be in (extremely wide tolerance if you will). This makes it much easier on the fabricator.

One of my favorite Rick Sr. quotes came out during the welding session in this video. "Measure with a Vernier, Mark it with a Sharpie, cut it with a sawzall" Accurate CAD and measurement are great, but you have to keep in mind the tools you have to fabricate with.

RAZ