Design Review for Combat Loads
Wall thickness and feature choices were checked against the impact loads the weapon sees.
CNC Machined Combat Robot Parts for UIUC iRobotics
RapidDirect machined the motor mounts, weapon pulley and weapon for UIUC Robobrawl entry in aluminum and steel, and structured a sponsorship that fit a student budget.
- Process
- CNC Machining
- Materials
- Aluminum & Steel
- Parts
- Motor mounts, weapon pulley and weapon
Background
Critical Parts With No In-House Machining
The UIUC iRobotics Combots team designed a combat robot for Robobrawl but had no equipment able to machine the strength-critical parts. They needed aluminum and steel components that could take hits in the arena, on a student budget.
Key challenges
Arena-Grade Strength
The weapon and motor mounts had to survive direct impacts without cracking.
No In-House Machining
Student workshop equipment could not hold the tolerances the design required.
Student Budget
Cost had to fit a competition team, so sponsorship mattered as much as the quote.
How the Combat Robot Parts Were Made
RapidDirect quoted the parts, aligned on a sponsorship structure and machined the components ahead of the April competition.
CNC Machining Aluminum and Steel
Motor mounts and the weapon pulley were machined to hold alignment under load.
Heat Treatment and Delivery
Steel parts were heat treated and the set shipped ahead of Robobrawl.
Battle Tested at Robobrawl
The robot debuted in April and the weapon came through the competition with minimal edge damage.
After delivery
Parts That Held Up Under Impact
The components took repeated hits without failing, which is the difference between finishing the bracket and going home early.
Minimal edge damage across a full Robobrawl competition
Customer perspective
When I first reached out to RapidDirect, we had already heard good things about the company from fellow combat robotics participants.
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