Robot Surfaces/Covering

[synth3tk]

What are you all using for an overall robot surface? We are stuck trying to figure out what to put on there, a few options are floating around, but nothing definite. Our mentor wanted to know what other teams are using to cover their robots. Pictures can be posted if you need to see what we're covering.

[=Martin=Taylor=]

1/32 polycarbonate. Its very light, and functions both as decoration and as armor. You can spray-paint the inside giving it a nice shiny surface that won't sratch.

[synth3tk]

*bump* My mentor would really like to have a few more options so we can get an idea of what's out there to use.

I know bumps are looked down upon in the CD community so I'll give a friendly reminder that we have TWO (2) WEEKS LEFT!!!

[mattotters]

We are using 1/16 sheet metal and polycarbinate(sp)

[cloud_254]

i believe we're using lexan

[Jimmy Cao]

We're using lexan as well. 1/16", for our robot signs.

Our bumpers will also be silkscreened again, for a nice looking effect

[Alan Anderson]

If you're just looking for a list of alternatives, try

• powder coating
• spray paint
• vinyl decals
• brushed aluminum finish
• mirror-polished aluminum
• lexan sheeting
• fiberglass panels
• "raw" metal
• plywood

[dscreen11]

Originally Posted by Alan Anderson

If you're just looking for a list of alternatives, try

• powder coating
• spray paint
• vinyl decals
• brushed aluminum finish
• mirror-polished aluminum
• lexan sheeting
• fiberglass panels
• "raw" metal
• plywood

I know these are all just ideas but if I were to use this list I wouldn't use plywood (it just wouldn't look nice). Spray paint might come in handy when you are having trouble creating ideas for imagery. "Raw" metal...hmmm...I don't think you should use "raw" metal. Well, what can I saw, this is only my opinion and you don't have to take it to heart

[synth3tk]

Well any suggestions are welcome, as we are looking for a list and/or what others have used and liked.

[Elgin Clock]

Thin tin sheetmetal plate works real great and it's very lightweight. We have made our panels out of that and attach stickers to them for team number, school name, and sponsors.

Example:
The Orange panel:
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/13930

Lexan works sometimes as well, but breaks a lot easier especially when covering a large open area:
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/28951

Fancy Aluminum covers work well sometimes if you have enough weight:
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/20375

[AdamHeard]

1/32" Lexan is light and is pretty durable for it's weight. It also looks amazing when painted from the inside.

[synth3tk]

We're leaning towards Lexan right now. So the next question is, for those who have used it in the past, what did you use to paint it?