pic: 3rd Iteration of Sheet-Metal Chassis- Swerve

[ggoldman]

I was hoping to comment on the Sheet metal fabrication of your chassis.

I have found that ribs on the outside edges of the part aren't always enough to hold the loads you need. I have used "rib forming tools" in real part applications in the field (outside of first) to add extra structure. Any sheet metal fabricator should be familiar with these.

http://www.colemanmachinery.com/ribforming.shtml

(Above link shows some examples)

Also, when using sheet metal, you should look into using PEM style nuts so that you can use fasteners into your sheet metal. PEM style nuts are pressed into the sheet metal. They have internal threads so that you can fasten things to them.

Good luck with the designing!

Best,

Gabriel Goldman
Sr. Research Engineer - NREC