Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: SeagullOne on July 14, 2009, 06:53:57 PM

Title: Plastic Conveyor Belt for tracks
Post by: SeagullOne on July 14, 2009, 06:53:57 PM

I'm repeatedly driven back to considering plastic conveyor belting for my robot's treads. Such as these:

http://www.rctankcombat.com/articles/track-systems/ (http://www.rctankcombat.com/articles/track-systems/)

A local place called California Industrial Rubber has them, and they say they can build them with a rubber profile!

The only thing really holding me back is how noisy such plastic tracks would be. My robot, NINA V 0.1 uses 3" lynxmotion tracks right now and they make a really annoying sound!

But this article says plastic tracks and sprockets like these work "without a sound." I've already asked one assistant at CIR if they were pretty noisy and he said, "I'd imagine they would," but he sounded like he didn't know for sure. I picked up some while I was there and they made a light rattling noise, but they weren't quite as noisy as Lynxmotion tracks.

I sure wish there was a video where I could see such plastic tracks in action with sprockets...does anyone know for sure if such plastic conveyor belting systems would be any noisier than lynxmotion tracks? If they're quieter, I just might get them. They would have great tracking.

Thanks in advance!

Title: Re: Plastic Conveyor Belt for tracks
Post by: Joker94 on July 15, 2009, 05:30:21 AM

it may just be a tapping sound as the treds roll around

Title: Re: Plastic Conveyor Belt for tracks
Post by: SeagullOne on July 15, 2009, 02:31:47 PM

I guess as long as its not like a heavy rattling sound, a little tapping noise would be tolerable. :)

Thanks, Joker94. I'll see if I can invest in those after all.

Title: Re: Plastic Conveyor Belt for tracks
Post by: Joker94 on July 16, 2009, 06:22:40 AM

and if it dose make a loud noise you should be able to add something to hold it steady and minimise the noise