Mecanum Wheels

Technical Technical Discussion
1

Our team used the AM 8" mecanum wheels this year. We were extremely pleased with their performance. However, I have heard from other teams that the 6" mecanum wheels had some durability problems. Team 20 in particular custom made more robust 6" mecanum wheels because in testing, the AM wheels gave out according to them.

Do you think AM will come out with new 6" wheels that are more robust?

2

Yes. We are working on a new, upgraded version of these 6" wheels. There are 3 improvements:

  1. Gray rollers, slightly more tacky, non-marking
  2. The thickness of the metal body will be 20% thicker, increasing the strength
  3. The protruding edges of the stamped body will be recessed so that they don’t catch on small steps on the floor

These improvements will be available on these wheels within a month.

Andy B.

3

Awesome. Thanks for the information.

Edit: Do you have information on pricing and/or weight? I assume weight would go up by slightly under 20%.

4

Are the upgraded wheels going to be available for the 2009 season?

5

I think your question was already answered. :wink:

6

I got to check these out at the Cow Town ThrowDown. And thanks for bringing them and talking to us (1986) Andy. But the new mecanums feel great. Not much heavier, but with the thicker wall, that can be expected.

With last year’s 6" mecanum wheels, every single roller was too big so they had to be lathed down individually. The new, gray ones feel better, and they roll much easier too.

All around great design improvements, and thanks again Andy.

7

I thought so, but I wasn’t sure after checking the website.