Machining Your Own Vs. COTS

[Blue_Mist]

Originally Posted by dtengineering

Get creative... you have now broken free of 90 degree corners and straight lines!
Jason

I don't know, our robots have never had exact right angles- the only time I even tried was with a friend of mine, unfortunate freshmen that we were. The only piece on the '06 robot that was perfectly parallel to the floor, and the robot worked better without the piece. We always say our robot is built on 89 to 91 degrees, if that accurate. And competitions always gives our robot curves... (in the polycarb)

Anyway, if you can't justify using the CNC for machining an easily purchased part other than the "coolness" factor, buy the COTS. However, consider whether a machine-competent team member or a machine-competent member and a machine newbie has something to do and how soon you need the part. Machining for the team is an excellent way of sharpening (no pun intended) skills while involving as many members as possible. Also, CNC machines and mills are excellent ways of attracting attention for your team, so think about summer workshops for new team members. For some reason, people are always interested in the big and dangerous, i.e. robots. And remember your safety glasses!

[artdutra04]

Don't get so wrapped up in the "I can make anything on the CNC machine!" mentality that you spend ten hours making a single wheel when you can buy a Colson wheel for $4.50 (and with minimal custom machining) and have it do the same job.

It's all about the cost to benefits ratio, or the return on investment. It it makes sense to machine it via CNC, do it. Otherwise, don't.

Engineering is not about designing everything as custom parts, or making it all "in-house". It's about finding the most effective and efficient solutions with regards to cost, time and resources.