Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: Rebelgium on July 27, 2007, 03:47:24 PM

Title: what do you use for structure?
Post by: Rebelgium on July 27, 2007, 03:47:24 PM

What material do most robotic-hobbyists use to build their base and structure of the robot?
And what is the best one? And the most popular one?

Or is there no real standard? And does everyone just take some metal bars and modify them?


I'd like to know what material i should use to build a pretty advanced base for a robot.
With suspension and pneumatics and stuff.

tnx in advance! 8)

Title: Re: what do you use for structure?
Post by: paulstreats on July 27, 2007, 04:01:41 PM

My favourite material for building is generally flat sheet plastic type materials.
Usually, you can just draw your design on it, and score it out and snap the pieces off. There are lots of different solvents etc.. for bonding or you could just as easily drill screw/ bolt holes into it.
Its a lot easier than using metals, and a bit more lightweight than wood.
Also there is a great range of colours, thicknesses about plus the tutorials on vaccuum forming available if you need any odd shapes - which is a lot easier than it sounds

Title: Re: what do you use for structure?
Post by: Dosbomber on July 27, 2007, 04:51:41 PM

0.118" thick acrylic sheeting (usually cast acrylic for its optical clarity) when I want something translucent or transparent (a robot that's see-thru except for the misc. hardware bits and electronics, motors, etc. just looks darn cool).

When I want something opaque, I use ABS, also in 0.118".  Rarely, but occasionally I experiment with PVC.

Why 0.118"?  1/8" is a nice size for building little projects, rigid enough for strength, and small enough so it's not overbuilt, but pricing 1/8" plastic, for some reason it's a whole lot more expensive than the hair-smaller 0.118".

Lately I've also been fiddling around with PVC tubing, the same kind that may route water in your house.  A few straight pieces and a few elbows/T's can make a nice box-shape that's open enough for great visibility for sensors, cameras, etc.  Need a bigger bot?  Buy bigger tubing.  Easy.

Title: Re: what do you use for structure?
Post by: Robotboy86 on July 27, 2007, 06:34:57 PM

Where do you guys get these at? On-line or local?

Thanks

Title: Re: what do you use for structure?
Post by: Dosbomber on July 29, 2007, 01:46:42 PM

The sheeting I get has somewhat specific specs (I want cast, not extruded, certain colors, etc.), so I buy it from www.mcmaster.com (http://www.mcmaster.com).

The tubing and elbows (plumbing supplies), you can pretty much get at any hardware store.

Title: Re: what do you use for structure?
Post by: Admin on July 30, 2007, 06:59:52 AM

I like to use a combination of HDPE (and other plastics) for the frame and aluminum sheeting when I require something thin and/or bent at an angle.

A browse through my robots (http://www.societyofrobots.com/robots.shtml) will show you what I mean.

Also useful
http://www.societyofrobots.com/materials.shtml

Example:
(http://www.societyofrobots.com/images/robot_sumo_assem4.JPG)

Title: Re: what do you use for structure?
Post by: E.Man.Lava on January 20, 2008, 03:44:18 PM

I sometimes use alligator board because it is durable yet flexible and very lightweight. it works perfectly for the 50$ robot.