pic: Sheet Metal Chassis Prototype

[Ninja_Bait]

Silly me, we were next to each other in the Galileo pits. I should have remembered.

However, I think that the crossbeams tend to be a nuisance that can actually warp the frame instead of strengthening it, so be careful about that. This'll also depend on the game and the OP's design style. If you plan to design the manipulator beforehand (which you should), you can plan for rigidity from your crossbeams. If you plan to use the infamous rule of fudge and just do it on the spot, you should have a rigid base to build on.

[akoscielski3]

we just built a prototype chassis for offseason (yes it was sheet-metal). And we used lexan in the middle for the electrical board. Lexan is a great way to strengthen the chassis (even though i dont think we needed it). I would recommend rivets, as we just used them for the first time and they seem to be very strong.

Why are you using an omni wheel? Is the center wheel lowered? How thick are the spaces between the lightening holes?

Cool Chassis though

[roystur44]

One of the cool things about sheet metal bots is that it is very easy to make multiple parts once the cutting/bending machine is setup. A second robot can be made in less time (minutes) than a tubular/extrusion based frame. Designed right the sheet metal frame tolerances are very high when compared to a cut, milled and welded frame. A sheet metal bot can use alignment pilot holes to locate brackets or use a tab and notch to locate parts during weld. I'm not saying sheet metal is better what I'm saying is it is a cost effective medium to make a robot out of if you have the right sponsors and mentors who can guide the students in the design.

A stiff frame is better than a flexible frame. The chain will stay aligned and taught. The manipulator will be more accurate and precise because it has a flat stiff base. Try shooting a ball into a basket on a trampoline. I've seen other robot drive trains just bend and break when ramming our drive base. We are building 120 lbs robots going 17' /sec. That is a lot of force on impact. Aim to build your robot light, stiff and strong and you can't go wrong.

[JamesCH95]

Originally Posted by Timz3082

Thanks for the feedback!
the gearbox is a toughbox mini with a 10.7:1 ratio built into the 1/8"" aluminum, this is a bit more reduction than we had last year and it worked great! by great, I mean we though it was the 2nd best drivetrain on the field! (2nd to 141 who had some crazy hyperspace swerve drive which after looking at for about 10 minutes, I still couldn't comprehend! I will now work on the modifications making this a more feasible, and realistic design! For the belly-pan, would there be anything wrong with using 1/2" Birch Plywood? It would be lightened and might end up lighter than aluminum, I will find out!

I like 1/2" birch plywood, 95 has used it in robot frames for year. I would highly recommend it.