Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: Trumpkin on October 30, 2008, 09:06:13 AM

Title: New robot building material?
Post by: Trumpkin on October 30, 2008, 09:06:13 AM

Sintra plastic http://www.solarbotics.net/starting/200207_sintra/200207_sintra.html do you think it would be stiff enough for bigger robots?

Title: Re: New robot building material?
Post by: ArcMan on October 30, 2008, 09:18:45 AM

What size are you talking about?

The 3mm Expanded PVC (Sintra) is not very stiff, but the 6mm stuff is pretty stiff.  I made a 12" x 12" platform with it with no flexing problems.

As far as strength (or stiffness) to weight ratio - aluminum plate is definitely better, but Sintra is cheaper and very easy to work with.  I even tap holes in it and the screws hold very well.

Title: Re: New robot building material?
Post by: Admin on October 31, 2008, 04:23:30 AM

Quote

you think it would be stiff enough for bigger robots?

a very subjective question, no? :P

You need to specify the exact forces you expect/estimate, do a force body diagram, then do a bending stress analysis. Otherwise you're just guessing. ;D

(or you can buy/test it)

And then there are the issues that ArcMan brought up, meaning it depends on your tools and skill level, too.


(one day I'll write a FBD and stress analysis tutorial . . . one day . . .)