pic: VEX Wheel Prototype

[AdamHeard]

Originally Posted by M. Krass

What type of machine was it printed on and from what material? Also, what's the overall diameter and width of the wheel? What do you plan for the wheels moving forward?

Rapid prototyping by FIRST teams is fascinating. It offers some advantages in saved time and money, but it can also make the manufacture of some complex parts seem a bit too easy. I'm curious to learn more about your experiences.

Right now my team is using a RTP to protoype some wheels.

don't worry about it being too easy, it can only make prootypes as the material is not near strong to be functional in nearly all cases.

[Madison]

Originally Posted by cromat44

Right now my team is using a RTP to protoype some wheels.

don't worry about it being too easy, it can only make prootypes as the material is not near strong to be functional in nearly all cases.

Well, that's exactly the point, I think. It's possible to create on these machines shapes and objects that are physically impossible to create with traditional machining technology. It's possible to, if you're not careful, get yourself caught up in a plan that relies on some parts that are too difficult or time consuming to manufacture because the rapid prototyping process offers no visibility into what it takes to translate that idea into a usable form.

[AdamHeard]

Originally Posted by M. Krass

Well, that's exactly the point, I think. It's possible to create on these machines shapes and objects that are physically impossible to create with traditional machining technology. It's possible to, if you're not careful, get yourself caught up in a plan that relies on some parts that are too difficult or time consuming to manufacture because the rapid prototyping process offers no visibility into what it takes to translate that idea into a usable form.

Well the wheels, and any other parts we plan to do, are to check fit. Also, it's nice to be able to take it and show the team what the wheels will be, rather than a CAD drawing. It's hard to convince my team to do anything new doing the off season, so it helps.

Well, i'll have the wheels done saturday and post them.


I like the vex wheels too... too bad their illegal : / (even though i know you have no intention of using them in competition).