Gluing Robot Frames

[Trent B]

To branch off from Rion's thread here is a thread to discuss gluing frames which was initially brought up by IndySam as an alternative to welding the frame

Quotes from Rion's thread are the following.

Originally Posted by IndySam

<snip> We don't use welding anymore. Instead we glue everything together. Never had a failure.

Originally Posted by IKE

I would love to hear more about this.

Originally Posted by IndySam

We machine connectors (like 8020 quick frame) that slip inside the 1" square tube and then use Loctite Hysol to bond them together.

You can hit it with a sledge hammer and the aluminum will give way before the Hysol does.

Originally Posted by gburlison

Which Hysol formulation do you use? Epoxy, Urethane, or Polyurethane? Any other information about how you bond the aluminum frame together would be appreciated.

Originally Posted by Trent B

IndySam I am with gburlison in that I would love to hear more about this. I never thought of gluing a frame together but that may be a good alternative to welding as we have a sponsor who could get us the 8020 parts easily enough (if we can't make our own) Do you have any examples of possibly a 2x1 tube connector? If you don't I would still love to see what your 1x1's look like.

Thanks,

Trent

Originally Posted by rc_cola1323

Someone should really just start a new thread about this. I'm interested as well.

-RC

Originally Posted by Akash Rastogi

This isn't that uncommon of a practice guys, and its fairly easy to do even with 1x1 and 1x2 square tubing. We've done it for the past 3 years or so; however, we machine out nylon and UHMW (and even solid aluminum) blocks to insert into the ends of the tubing. Then simply rivet, screw, or bolt the block into place. The ends of the blocks (or wherever you need) are drilled and tapped. The screw or large rivets are easily replaceable with hard epoxy, loctite, or even gorilla glue (in some areas). And there you have a snug fitting frame connector!

I would like to see Pics of this in action too.