Robot construction ideas

Blueeyedpop · 2003-07-30T03:00:31+00:00

I am starting construction on another robotics project, and wanted to getsome ideas, and share some as well.The limiting factor for me has been machinning capabilities. At work, Ibuild with ABEC 5 and 7 bearings, AGMA 13 and 14 gears, and regularlytolerance parts to 0.0002". We regularly line bore bearing assemblies, anddo whatever else is required. I use Maxon motors almost exclusively, and useother exotic components like particle clutches, linear encoders, etc.Without a mill and lathe in my garage, I am religated to doing things indifferent ways for my personal projects. One constant that I have found, isthat one way or another, you pay a price. Like the nomogram of the trianglethat says "good, fast, cheap, pick any two". I have always found it easierto buy precision, rather than make it. For instance, building a ball bearingassembly from raw stock would be painful, and mostly un-necessary, but forless than $10.00 you can buy an excellent bearing. Another way you pay, isby building a robust assembly. You pay in the components you use, and thetime you spend on design, but your reward is the ease with which everythingelse goes together. Feedback is more reliable, and motors work moreconsistantly.My difficulty is in the transition from work related machines, (where I amcapable of spending >$300,000 on a 4 axis lens system) , to home brewprojects.One technique I have found, is to use a laser cutting service. I usepolycarbonate mostly, but I am thinking of starting to use acrylic andpossibly even wood, because of their dimensional stability.My curiousity, is where people buy the precision, where they make itthemselves, and where they do not build what is necessary, and how theysuffer as a result. What services have you found that meet your budget, andwhat sources for components are inexpensive and reliable.T.I.A.Mike Keesling

Jul 30, 2003 20 Replies

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Shawn Brown 23 years ago

LOL...I'm talking about a little smaller scale than that. Hey I know that plane, I saw the kit a long time ago in Kitplanes. Looked pretty cool. For a full scale P51 I'd happily kill a few brain cells. I hope you get to fly one for your trouble?

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Robot construction ideas

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