NameThatPart - Revision history

RobotRobot: Fix dead links (Oct 2026 link check): replace moved pages, remove discontinued products and closed stores

2026-10-17T14:38:40Z

Fix dead links (Oct 2026 link check): replace moved pages, remove discontinued products and closed stores

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:38, 17 October 2026
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	=== Composites ===		=== Composites ===
	* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FR-4 FR4] / [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G-10_(material)] G10]: This material goes by several names including GRP (Glass reinforced polymer), FRP (fiber reinforced plastic), G-10, and Garolite. It's made of resin reinforced by glass fibers. G10 is available in sheets, rods, corner angles, etc.[https://www.mcmaster.com/garolite/] According to ULS, this material can be laser cut with a CO<sub>2</sub> laser.[https://www.ulsinc.com/materials/fr4/g10] FR4 is also flame retardant, and is a common material for circuit boards.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UL_94]		* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FR-4 FR4] / [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G-10_(material) G10]: This material goes by several names including GRP (Glass reinforced polymer), FRP (fiber reinforced plastic), G-10, and Garolite. It's made of resin reinforced by glass fibers. G10 is available in sheets, rods, corner angles, etc.[https://www.mcmaster.com/garolite/] According to ULS, this material can be laser cut with a CO<sub>2</sub> laser.[http://web.archive.org/web/20250806185907/https://www.ulsinc.com/materials/fr4/g10] FR4 is also flame retardant, and is a common material for circuit boards.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UL_94]
	**G10 has very high strength compared to unreinforced plastics, and is resistant to abrasion and cracking. In combat robotics it can be used as lightweight armor[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86EJ05kBksA] or structural members in insect weight classes. It's an insulator, and won't short out electronics even if opponents attack and shred it.		**G10 has very high strength compared to unreinforced plastics, and is resistant to abrasion and cracking. In combat robotics it can be used as lightweight armor[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86EJ05kBksA] or structural members in insect weight classes. It's an insulator, and won't short out electronics even if opponents attack and shred it.
	**'''Safety:''' Use appropriate protective gear to avoid inhaling glass fibers when cutting or handling this material.		**'''Safety:''' Use appropriate protective gear to avoid inhaling glass fibers when cutting or handling this material.

Chklnk: /* Composites */ More safety and issues with CF

2024-04-14T23:26:23Z

Composites: More safety and issues with CF

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:26, 14 April 2024
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	**'''Safety:''' Use appropriate protective gear to avoid inhaling glass fibers when cutting or handling this material.		**'''Safety:''' Use appropriate protective gear to avoid inhaling glass fibers when cutting or handling this material.

	* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon-fiber-reinforced_polymers CFRP]: Carbon-fiber reinforced polymers are extremely strong and light. ~~CNC milled~~ carbon-fiber panels are common for weight savings in insectweight classes. It's also possible to buy professional 3D printing filament with continuous fiber, and there are many chopped carbon fiber filaments on the market.		* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon-fiber-reinforced_polymers CFRP]: Carbon-fiber reinforced polymers are extremely strong and light. Flat carbon-fiber panels are common for weight savings in insectweight classes. It's also possible to buy professional 3D printing filament with continuous fiber, and there are many chopped carbon fiber filaments on the market. However, flat sheets and panels are far stronger and as a result are commonly used.
	**Unlike the glass fibers in G10, carbon fibers ejected from damaged CFRP can short-circuit electrical components in your combat robot.		**'''Safety:''' Use appropriate protective gear, including gloves, to avoid inhaling carbon fibers when handling this material. Discard damaged panels.
			**Cut with waterjet, CNC, or fine cutting edges. The fibers are dangerous to your health when inhaled! Using a service to cut and shape this material is strongly recommended.
			**Unlike the glass fibers in G10, carbon fibers ejected from damaged CFRP can easily short-circuit electrical components in your combat robot. Protect all circuits and connectors from accidental contact with fibers.
			**Carbon functions as a shield to block radio signals from getting to your robot. Make sure your antenna is exposed to the outside is protected by a nonconductive panel instead of carbon fiber.

	* Aluminium / aluminum composite panel aka "Dibond" or "Alupanel"		* Aluminium / aluminum composite panel aka "Dibond" or "Alupanel"

Chklnk: Relegated acrylic, added carbon-fiber

2024-02-03T22:57:28Z

Relegated acrylic, added carbon-fiber

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:57, 3 February 2024
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	=== Plastics ===		=== Plastics ===
			* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycarbonate Polycarbonate] (trade names Lexan™, Makrolon™): Strong material which can be optically clear; used for the windows of combat arenas and as armor on robots. It is also a 3D printing material or additive. Also used in the making of bulletproof windows and barriers. Often mistaken for acrylic (Perspex, Plexiglass), but acrylic is easily cracked and not suitable for combat robots.

	* ~~Polycarbonate~~: ~~This material that is typically optically transparent which makes it ideal in situations where you need to see into your robot~~.		* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polylactic_acid PLA]: A thermoplastic often used in 3D printing. It is moderately strong but its ease of use makes it a popular choice.
	* PLA: ~~Polylactic acid is a~~ thermoplastic often used in 3D printing. It is moderately strong but ~~it's~~ ease of use makes it a popular choice.
	* ABS: ~~Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is also~~ a common plastic used in 3D printing. It is stronger than PLA but can be more difficult to work with.		* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acrylonitrile_butadiene_styrene ABS]: Also a common plastic used in 3D printing. It is stronger than PLA but can be more difficult to work with, and offers no advantages compared to PLA except slightly lighter weight.
	* Nylon: ~~This plastic is often used in~~ 3D ~~printings and its flexibility allows it~~ to make ~~very durable parts but more preparation is needed to use it successfully~~.
	* Delrin ~~/ Acetal~~: This low friction high durability plastic can be used instead of aluminum in some cases. Its much lighter but not as strong.		* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nylon PA, or Nylon]: Frequently milled or 3D printed to make strong, flexible robot combat chassis and components.
	* HDPE / UHMW: These high strength plastics are often used as armor. They tend to deform and bend instead of cracking or completely failing.
	* EVA Foam ~~- a~~ lightweight foam useful for things like wheels that will take damage. Could also be used for internal padding. Available in sheets of various thickness or cylindrical "dowel" .		* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyoxymethylene POM] (Delrin, Celcon, acetal): This low friction high durability plastic can be used instead of aluminum in some cases. Its much lighter but not as strong.
	* ~~Acrylic sheet~~ / ~~PMMA~~ / ~~Perspex~~ / ~~Plexiglass~~ - ~~this~~ material is ~~sometimes used because it is easy~~ to laser-cut ~~into nice shapes~~. ~~Available in many colours~~, ~~looks~~ very ~~nice~~ and ~~often used for signage~~. ~~Not generally recommended for robot~~ combat as it ~~shatters easily. Could~~ be used ~~for non-combat parts such~~ as ~~safety brackets~~, ~~cradles, jigs~~ or ~~cosmetic parts~~. ~~Might be useful~~ for ~~sportsman / plastic~~ classes ~~where it~~'s ~~not going~~ to ~~get hit by~~ a ~~high-speed weapon~~.
			* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-density_polyethylene HDPE] & [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultra-high-molecular-weight_polyethylene UHMW]: These high strength plastics are often used as armor. They tend to deform and bend instead of cracking or completely failing.

			* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethylene-vinyl_acetate EVA Foam]: A lightweight foam useful for things like wheels that will take damage. Could also be used for internal padding. Available in sheets of various thickness or cylindrical dowel stock.

			=== Composites ===
			* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FR-4 FR4] / [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G-10_(material)] G10]: This material goes by several names including GRP (Glass reinforced polymer), FRP (fiber reinforced plastic), G-10, and Garolite. It's made of resin reinforced by glass fibers. G10 is available in sheets, rods, corner angles, etc.[https://www.mcmaster.com/garolite/] According to ULS, this material can be laser cut with a CO<sub>2</sub> laser.[https://www.ulsinc.com/materials/fr4/g10] FR4 is also flame retardant, and is a common material for circuit boards.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UL_94]
			**G10 has very high strength compared to unreinforced plastics, and is resistant to abrasion and cracking. In combat robotics it can be used as lightweight armor[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86EJ05kBksA] or structural members in insect weight classes. It's an insulator, and won't short out electronics even if opponents attack and shred it.
			**'''Safety:''' Use appropriate protective gear to avoid inhaling glass fibers when cutting or handling this material.

			* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon-fiber-reinforced_polymers CFRP]: Carbon-fiber reinforced polymers are extremely strong and light. CNC milled carbon-fiber panels are common for weight savings in insectweight classes. It's also possible to buy professional 3D printing filament with continuous fiber, and there are many chopped carbon fiber filaments on the market.
			**Unlike the glass fibers in G10, carbon fibers ejected from damaged CFRP can short-circuit electrical components in your combat robot.

			* Aluminium / aluminum composite panel aka "Dibond" or "Alupanel"
			** thin sheets of Al with a plastic between.
			** Very flat, generally good characteristics?

	=== Metals ===		=== Metals ===
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	*** S7: Shock resistant alloy that is suitable for impact weapons.		*** S7: Shock resistant alloy that is suitable for impact weapons.
	*** 4041: Strong and easily hardened alloy. Often used as welded steel tubing in frames.		*** 4041: Strong and easily hardened alloy. Often used as welded steel tubing in frames.

	~~=== Composites ===~~

	* FR4 / G10: This material goes by several names including GRP (Glass reinforced polymer), FRP (fiber reinforced plastic), G-10[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G-10_(material)], and Garolite. It's made of resin reinforced by glass fibers. G10 is available in sheets, rods, corner angles, etc.[https://www.mcmaster.com/garolite/] According to ULS, this material can be laser cut with a CO<sub>2</sub> laser.[https://www.ulsinc.com/materials/fr4/g10] FR4 is also flame retardant, and is a common material for circuit boards.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FR-4][https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UL_94]
	**G10 has very high strength compared to unreinforced plastics, and is resistant to abrasion and cracking. In combat robotics it can be used as lightweight armor[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86EJ05kBksA] or structural members in insect weight classes. It's an insulator, and won't short out electronics even if opponents attack and shred it.
	**'''Safety:''' Use appropriate protective gear to avoid inhaling glass fibers when cutting or handling this material.

	* Aluminium / aluminum composite panel aka "Dibond" or "Alupanel"
	** thin sheets of Al with a plastic between.
	** Very flat, generally good characteristics?

	=== Fasteners ===		=== Fasteners ===

	List of common types and what they do		List of common types and what they do

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	=== Other hardware ===		=== Other hardware ===

	* [[Magnets]] - Rare Earth or Electromagnets can be used to increase the apparent downforce in a bot giving it an advantage.		* [[Magnets]] - Rare Earth or Electromagnets can be used to increase the apparent downforce in a bot giving it an advantage.
	* Threaded rod - just a rod which is threaded along the full length so you can put many nuts on in different positions to e.g. hold parallel parts.		* Threaded rod - just a rod which is threaded along the full length so you can put many nuts on in different positions to e.g. hold parallel parts.
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	= Types of steering and locomotion =		= Types of steering and locomotion =

	===Tank steering===		===Tank steering===
	Wheels or treads on the left and right side of the robot can be spun in different directions. Very common since it allows great freedom of motion. Sometimes called skid steering or slip steering (there may be excess friction as wheels or treads slide). Tank steering allows the driver to turn in place without traveling, called zero-turn steering or turreting.		Wheels or treads on the left and right side of the robot can be spun in different directions. Very common since it allows great freedom of motion. Sometimes called skid steering or slip steering (there may be excess friction as wheels or treads slide). Tank steering allows the driver to turn in place without traveling, called zero-turn steering or turreting.

Chklnk: /* Metals */ AR clarification

2023-03-06T04:27:14Z

Metals: AR clarification

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:27, 6 March 2023
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	**Mild Steel: Low Carbon steel which is typically lower in cost and easier to work with.		**Mild Steel: Low Carbon steel which is typically lower in cost and easier to work with.
	**Tool Steel: High Carbon alloys that can be very strong and resistant to deformation and abrasion.		**Tool Steel: High Carbon alloys that can be very strong and resistant to deformation and abrasion.
	*** AR / Hardox: Abrasion Resistant steel often used as armor in larger bots.		*** AR / Hardox: Through-hardened, Abrasion Resistant steel often used as armor in larger bots.
	*** S7: Shock resistant alloy that is suitable for impact weapons.		*** S7: Shock resistant alloy that is suitable for impact weapons.
	*** 4041: Strong and easily hardened alloy. Often used as welded steel tubing in frames.		*** 4041: Strong and easily hardened alloy. Often used as welded steel tubing in frames.

Chklnk: /* Types of steering and locomotion */ Removed link, didn't render as planned

2022-06-26T23:59:38Z

Types of steering and locomotion: Removed link, didn't render as planned

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:59, 26 June 2022
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	Mechanum wheels can be driven in all four directions, allowing sideways or "strafing" motion as well as forward and back. This requires the use of at least 4 motors and wheels.		Mechanum wheels can be driven in all four directions, allowing sideways or "strafing" motion as well as forward and back. This requires the use of at least 4 motors and wheels.

	===Ackermann steering===~~[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ackermann_steering_geometry]~~		===Ackermann steering===
	Often called car steering or servo steering, this is the kind of steering found on both real and R/C cars, where the front wheels both pivot to change the direction of motion, usually driven by a single servo. Easy to understand and drive, but because the robot can't turn around rapidly, it may not be able to react quickly to changing situations.		Often called car steering or servo steering, this is the kind of steering found on both real and R/C cars, where the front wheels both pivot to change the direction of motion, usually driven by a single servo. Easy to understand and drive, but because the robot can't turn around rapidly, it may not be able to react quickly to changing situations.

Chklnk: +Steering and locomotion

2022-06-26T23:57:17Z

+Steering and locomotion

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:57, 26 June 2022
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	Knowing the ~~name~~ of things is part of the challenge ~~of building things~~; it's difficult to do internet searches if you don't know the name of the thing you're looking for, even harder if you don't know it even exists. This page ~~contains~~ some things useful for building robots ~~that you might not know the name of~~, so you can get a start.		Knowing the names of things is part of the challenge; it's difficult to do internet searches if you don't know the name of the thing you're looking for, even harder if you don't know it even exists. This page names some things useful for building robots, so you can get a start on learning or research.

	== Materials ==		= Materials =

	=== Plastics ===		=== Plastics ===
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	** Very flat, generally good characteristics?		** Very flat, generally good characteristics?

	== Fasteners ==		=== Fasteners ===

	List of common types and what they do		List of common types and what they do
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	** Rivnuts / rivet nuts - a combination of a rivet and a threaded insert, i.e. a rivet with a thread inside so a machine screw can be screwed in - very handy.		** Rivnuts / rivet nuts - a combination of a rivet and a threaded insert, i.e. a rivet with a thread inside so a machine screw can be screwed in - very handy.

	== Other hardware ==		=== Other hardware ===

	* [[Magnets]] - Rare Earth or Electromagnets can be used to increase the apparent downforce in a bot giving it an advantage.		* [[Magnets]] - Rare Earth or Electromagnets can be used to increase the apparent downforce in a bot giving it an advantage.
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	* Nut strips - a strip of (typically) metal with periodic threaded holes, perhaps at right-angles, to attach parts at right angles.		* Nut strips - a strip of (typically) metal with periodic threaded holes, perhaps at right-angles, to attach parts at right angles.

	==Parts for moving==		= Parts for weapons =

			= Electrical and electronic =

			= Parts for moving things =

	*Wheels (or hubs) hold tires and turn them. Some hubs come apart to make wheel replacement easier.		*Wheels (or hubs) hold tires and turn them. Some hubs come apart to make wheel replacement easier.
	**Tires are the part of a rolling bot that is in contact with the ground. Often a separate part that can be replaced. Good traction is important.		**Tires are the part of a rolling bot that is in contact with the ground. Often a separate part that can be replaced. Good traction is important.
	**Mechanum wheels have rollers that allow a bot to move sideways.		**Mechanum wheels have diagonal rollers that allow a bot to move sideways on command.
			**Omni wheels have tangential rollers and can roll sideways, allowing for more agile motion, but less control than mechanum.
			**Non-driven wheels aren't powered, they just turn. Sometimes called idler wheels. If they swivel, they are called casters.
	*Tracks, treads		*Tracks, treads
	*Axles, shafts, keys		*Axles, shafts, keys
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	**Flexible shaft couplings are used to dampen high impact shocks from being fully transmitted back to the motor.		**Flexible shaft couplings are used to dampen high impact shocks from being fully transmitted back to the motor.

	==~~Parts~~ for ~~weapons~~==		= Types of steering and locomotion =

			===Tank steering===
			Wheels or treads on the left and right side of the robot can be spun in different directions. Very common since it allows great freedom of motion. Sometimes called skid steering or slip steering (there may be excess friction as wheels or treads slide). Tank steering allows the driver to turn in place without traveling, called zero-turn steering or turreting.

			===Mechanum steering===
			Mechanum wheels can be driven in all four directions, allowing sideways or "strafing" motion as well as forward and back. This requires the use of at least 4 motors and wheels.

			===Ackermann steering===[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ackermann_steering_geometry]
			Often called car steering or servo steering, this is the kind of steering found on both real and R/C cars, where the front wheels both pivot to change the direction of motion, usually driven by a single servo. Easy to understand and drive, but because the robot can't turn around rapidly, it may not be able to react quickly to changing situations.

			===Single-wheel drive===
			A 3-wheeled type where only one wheel is powered and steered. Uncommon as it doesn't provide much traction for motion, and it may be prone to falling over.

			===Articulated steering===
			Some bots have been designed with a center-pivoting body. The amount of pivot determines the difference in angle between wheels in the front half, and those in the back half.

	==~~Electrical and electronic~~==		===Melty steering===
			A Meltybrain robot spins in place using two or more driven wheels. Slight changes in the power applied to each wheel will cause the robot to travel to one side. Under computer control, the driver can command the slight change to repeat during each rotation, causing the bot to continue moving in a specified direction.

Chklnk: /* Parts for moving */ Wheels, gears, belts, chains, direct drive

2022-06-10T05:55:13Z

Parts for moving: Wheels, gears, belts, chains, direct drive

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:55, 10 June 2022
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	==Parts for moving==		==Parts for moving==
	*Wheels and ~~tires~~		*Wheels (or hubs) hold tires and turn them. Some hubs come apart to make wheel replacement easier.
	**Mechanum		**Tires are the part of a rolling bot that is in contact with the ground. Often a separate part that can be replaced. Good traction is important.
			**Mechanum wheels have rollers that allow a bot to move sideways.
	*Tracks, treads		*Tracks, treads
	*Axles, shafts, keys		*Axles, shafts, keys
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	**Gearmotors		**Gearmotors
	**Gearboxes, transmissions		**Gearboxes, transmissions
	*Chain drive		*Chains can transfer power from one shaft to another.
	*~~Belt drive~~		**Chain drive allows two shafts to spin at equal speeds, or a fixed speed ratio.
	**~~Pulleys~~		**Sprockets are toothed wheels that guide the links on chains.
	**~~Belts~~		*Belts can also transfer power from one shaft to another.
	*Direct drive		**Timing belts (toothed belts) are also meant for fixed speed ratios.
			**V belts offer strong power transmission with a chance of slippage in case of harsh impact.
			**Round and flat belts are more likely to slip if one shaft is stuck.
			**Pulleys go on the shafts and belts are fitted onto them.
			*Direct drive is when a motor is directly coupled to a wheel, weapon or other load.
			**Flexible shaft couplings are used to dampen high impact shocks from being fully transmitted back to the motor.

	==Parts for weapons==		==Parts for weapons==

	==Electrical and electronic==		==Electrical and electronic==

MarkR: /* Plastics */

2022-04-26T10:57:34Z

Plastics

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:57, 26 April 2022
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	* HDPE / UHMW: These high strength plastics are often used as armor. They tend to deform and bend instead of cracking or completely failing.		* HDPE / UHMW: These high strength plastics are often used as armor. They tend to deform and bend instead of cracking or completely failing.
	* EVA Foam - a lightweight foam useful for things like wheels that will take damage. Could also be used for internal padding. Available in sheets of various thickness or cylindrical "dowel" .		* EVA Foam - a lightweight foam useful for things like wheels that will take damage. Could also be used for internal padding. Available in sheets of various thickness or cylindrical "dowel" .
			* Acrylic sheet / PMMA / Perspex / Plexiglass - this material is sometimes used because it is easy to laser-cut into nice shapes. Available in many colours, looks very nice and often used for signage. Not generally recommended for robot combat as it shatters easily. Could be used for non-combat parts such as safety brackets, cradles, jigs or cosmetic parts. Might be useful for sportsman / plastic classes where it's not going to get hit by a high-speed weapon.

	=== Metals ===		=== Metals ===

MarkR: EVA Foam

2022-04-10T16:42:08Z

EVA Foam

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:42, 10 April 2022
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	* Delrin / Acetal: This low friction high durability plastic can be used instead of aluminum in some cases. Its much lighter but not as strong.		* Delrin / Acetal: This low friction high durability plastic can be used instead of aluminum in some cases. Its much lighter but not as strong.
	* HDPE / UHMW: These high strength plastics are often used as armor. They tend to deform and bend instead of cracking or completely failing.		* HDPE / UHMW: These high strength plastics are often used as armor. They tend to deform and bend instead of cracking or completely failing.
			* EVA Foam - a lightweight foam useful for things like wheels that will take damage. Could also be used for internal padding. Available in sheets of various thickness or cylindrical "dowel" .

	=== Metals ===		=== Metals ===

MarkR: /* Composites */

2021-12-12T19:55:45Z

Composites

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:55, 12 December 2021
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	**G10 has very high strength compared to unreinforced plastics, and is resistant to abrasion and cracking. In combat robotics it can be used as lightweight armor[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86EJ05kBksA] or structural members in insect weight classes. It's an insulator, and won't short out electronics even if opponents attack and shred it.		**G10 has very high strength compared to unreinforced plastics, and is resistant to abrasion and cracking. In combat robotics it can be used as lightweight armor[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86EJ05kBksA] or structural members in insect weight classes. It's an insulator, and won't short out electronics even if opponents attack and shred it.
	**'''Safety:''' Use appropriate protective gear to avoid inhaling glass fibers when cutting or handling this material.		**'''Safety:''' Use appropriate protective gear to avoid inhaling glass fibers when cutting or handling this material.

			* Aluminium / aluminum composite panel aka "Dibond" or "Alupanel"
			** thin sheets of Al with a plastic between.
			** Very flat, generally good characteristics?

	== Fasteners ==		== Fasteners ==