Hi, my team is working on our rebuild. I’m wondering what are some build quality tips to keep robots from getting heavy.
Only build your robot out of standoffs and axels.
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Use aluminum parts instead of steel the steel parts are considerably heavier
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could you post a pic of your bot both pre rebuild and currently in the rebuilding process. A general tip I’d give is to try to minimize the amount of 3 and 5 wide c channels and instead use 2 wide, halfcuts, and use bracing with halfcuts, standoffs, etc. to make up for spaces needed.
You can also use zip ties instead of screws to help lighten up the robot.
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Here is our 3rd robot of the year. I think it’s final weight was around 12.5 or 13 pounds. Here are some of the weight saving methods employed:
- Thumb Screws- the only legal nylon screw
- Nylon nuts- you are still allowed to use nylon nuts
- 1x1 L channels- Really useful for not overbuilding mechanisms
- Aluminum Standoffs instead of screws and spacers- lighter, just make sure to use loctite.
- Zip tie bearings on drive
- Right length of screws everywhere
- BUILDING SMALL- too often I see robots on the 18 by 18 limit. In most games, a smaller robot is better for maneuverability. This robot is 25 wide, which helps with low goal navigation
- All Aluminum C channels and L channels- this one is pretty obvious
- NOT OVERBUILT- If applicable, you could use lexan for mechanisms. You don’t need to cover your robot in useless material.
- One tank- we use our 3 shot power system on this robot, but we only use 1 tank because we conserve our air in match.
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Wow, is that a front-shooting catapult robot? First one I’ve ever seen.
On the topic of weight reduction:
- Use aluminum 3-wide c-channels.
- Simplify your robot design so that no unnecessary weight is added.
- Standoffs save a lot of weight when in large amounts.
- Polycarbonate components are useful, but be mindful of the polycarb limit.
- 1 pneumatic tank only (they weigh a lot)
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EZPZ3 has an amazing front shooting cata, averages 25 in the high goal every match alone.
But I must differ from your statement, aluminum 3 wides are nearly double the weight of aluminum 2 wides. I would suggest building a drivetrain made out of two wide aluminum c channels.
This is a pretty light, very rigid drivetrain made from two wides.
It depends on your bot- they don’t weigh as much as you would think.
3 Wides are almost never needed, I would do 1x1 L channels or 2 wide c channels.
Yes :)) we have built two this year. This is our second:
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Pressurize the pneumatic tank w/ helium.
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No! Go for Hydrogen! Fire would be a good thing! (lowers the mass even further)
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No. According the Vex Product page their Nylon thumbscrews are legal, R11 only covers non-vex parts. This part is made my Vex and had the VRC legal tag. https://www.vexrobotics.com/all-screws.html
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