pic: 4in Wheel CAD

[AdamHeard]

I'm a grumpy guy when it comes to wheels. I simply do not understand why teams insist on adding machining complexity to wheels.

Our wheels are solid 6061, the CNC op is all from one side (the spokes are on one face), simple tread groove, sick spokes, nothing fancy. I'd wager our 4" wheel is still lighter than most, and we could even make it lighter, we just don't see a huge need as they are currently .22 lbs.

If you make it simpler, it's faster to make (large advantage) and easier to analyze the strength of it.

[Andrew Y.]

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

I'm a grumpy guy when it comes to wheels. I simply do not understand why teams insist on adding machining complexity to wheels.

If you make it simpler, it's faster to make (large advantage) and easier to analyze the strength of it.

The reason we dont machine ours from solid is because are mill is not capable of producing those parts at a reasonable time. a FR of 3in/min for aluminum on average. Much faster to cut the sides on plasma in a minute. and machine the plastic at 7-8 in/min.

[Andrew Schreiber]

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

I'm a grumpy guy when it comes to wheels. I simply do not understand why teams insist on adding machining complexity to wheels.

Our wheels are solid 6061, the CNC op is all from one side (the spokes are on one face), simple tread groove, sick spokes, nothing fancy. I'd wager our 4" wheel is still lighter than most, and we could even make it lighter, we just don't see a huge need as they are currently .22 lbs.

If you make it simpler, it's faster to make (large advantage) and easier to analyze the strength of it.

In short Adam, different spokes for different folks. What may seem complex for you is simple for some teams. Some teams don't have a CNC mill but have great resources to knocking out sheet. It all comes down to resources.

(Plus, these may never be made, just a design exercise)