Page 278 - Robot Builders Source Book - Gordon McComb

machine framing 259
Machine Framing
1701 South 400 East
Columbia City, IN 46725
USA
The person who thought up the concept for machine 80/20 Inc. 202447
framing must have played with Play-Doh as a kid: Put (219) 248-8030
some Play-Doh clay into a little machine, push down on (219) 248-8029
the lever, and out comes various shapes. Change the
orifice on the machine and out comes different shapes. info@8020.net
Now imagine, instead of clay, you do the same thing http://www.8020.net/
with liquid aluminum. When the aluminum cools, it 80/20 bills itself as the “manufacturer of The Industrial
creates what’s known as an extrusion; the profile of the Erector Set.” They make a well-engineered modular T-
extrusion matches the orifice that the hot, molten slotted aluminum framing system. With this versatile
metal was pushed through.
product, you can construct robot frames and mechani-
Now assume the orifice is shaped so that the aluminum cal systems without welding, drilling, tapping, or other
extrusion has four or more sides, and each side has a labor-intensive fastening. Framing components are
“T-slot” in it. Within this T-slot can be placed a variety of available in fractional (inch) or metric sizes. A full cata-
attachments, and they tighten against the groove of the log is provided in Adobe Acrobat PDF format on the
T-slot to make a secure connection. Web site. Separate PDF files list prices.
x
Such is machine framing, where aluminum rod is
extruded into various shapes for the express purpose of
creating “construction set frames” for building machin-
ery. With the appropriate connectors and accessories,
it’s possible to assemble a frame with aluminum profile
extrusions that has few, if any, nuts and bolts.
Everything is held together with connectors that cinch
against the T-slots.
Whether or not the inventor ofmachine framing
began his or her career with Play-Doh, you can use
these pieces ofaluminum to create strong and light-
weight frames for larger robots. With the proper con-
nectors, your robot frames can be reconfigurable.
There are swivel joints, for example, that allow you to Aluminum profile extrusion from
change the shape ofthe frame by loosening a set screw, 80/20.
moving the joint to a new position, and retightening
the screw.
A few sources will sell a few pieces at a time, but most
expect a big order and prefer working with industrial
clients and factories. Check minimum-order require-
ments, and note special shipping charges. Unless the Another aluminum profile
seller will cut the pieces for you, there may be extra extrusion from 80/20.
freight charges because the extrusions normally come
in 8-foot (or longer) lengths.
Alloy Frame Systems 203485
P.O. Box 66118
SEE ALSO: Seattle, WA 98166
USA
Materials-Metal: More metal to choose from
(206) 431-9168
Materials-Store Fixtures: PVC and alu- (800) 301-5561
minum tubing that you can make roboframes
http://www.alloyframesystems.com/
with
Makes aluminum extrusions and assembly hardware for
Retail-Hardware & Home Improvement: machine framing. Nice online descriptive catalog (no e-
Aluminum Ls and Us commerce), with downloaded DFX AutoCAD files
Copyright 2003 by Gordon McComb. Click Here for Terms of Use.