Recommendations on Aluminum Framing Systems

[Neal Probert]

We (MSC/Pioneer Team #1015 in Michigan) are looking for recommendations for chassis construction, using the extruded aluminum framing systems. This includes Bosch-Rexroth, 80/20, IPS, ...

1. What are your preferences?

2. What are the advantages?

3. What is the best size material?

4. Is it cheap or expensive?

5. Is there a starter kit?

6. In the GLR neighborhood, who's using what?

7. Who do you order from?

8. Is there a spare parts pool among teams?

[Andy Baker]

Neal,

We had a good discussion on this issue about this time last year on these same forums. I did a search for "aluminum extrusion" and got these threads:

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ion +aluminum

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...um +extrusion

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...um +extrusion

If you read all of these threads, there are many people who like different kinds of t-slot style extrusions.

Andy B.

[Matt Reiland]

Neal,

We successfully uses BOSCH 30x30 last year with no problems, BUT.... It was overkill this stuff is serious strong 20x20 would probably work well. THere is a pool of spares in the pits just look around and ask, but most likely you will never bend it.

We are planning on prottyping this year with BOSCH then building the final out of tubular about a week before we ship for weight since the BOSCH does end up weighing a bit when it is all said and done. Use it wherever strength is an issue and use it at the begining of the season for speed in assembly

Matt

[Rob Colatutto]

my recommendation is to not use the extruded aluminum. we design out a whole chasis, and then make it out of aluminum, all welded together, works a lot better for us and makes the robot look nicer, i think, than the extruded. also gives you nice play with a paint job on the robot, hehe

[MissAbi]

Hey Neal. We're using IPS over here in Ypsi. It's been amazing & they give you a package w/ it to model it in diff. 3D programs. If you want to come out and check it out just e-mail me and we'll set up a time abi@470robotics.com


Abi Schmidt
Student Leader
Team 470
Alpha Omega Robotics