Re: Miniture metal chain

Hi,
ALLElectronics has lots of surplus minature chain and sprockets.


http://www.allelectronics.com/

Go to the online CAT and put CHAIN in the search
box.

Bob

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "S.L.Ramsay" <slramsay@n...> wrote:
> Ok, since my last question proved to be so easy, Riddle me this!
>
> Chain for power transmission is easy to find. Even multi-strand
chain is very common. One project I've been working on for months is
a Radio Controlled HAZMAT Rover and this Rover needs metal tracks /
treads.
>
> (I've added photos in a folder called "Rover needs metal treads" at
the User group site.)
>
> Inuktun Services ( http://www.inuktun.com/ ) of Naniamo, British
Columbia has many outstanding designs far more advanced than mine.
Their designs are wire controlled while mine is Radio Controlled.
Problem is that both their design as well as mine rely on rubber
treads that melt at relatively low temperatures. At search and
recovery efforts at the WTC, Inuktun lost one of their rovers when
the treads melted. All other robots made it out ok and were key in
rescuing victims. for more on this, check out the CRASAR website (
http://www.csee.usf.edu/robotics/crasar/ ).
>
> I've been searching for metal treads with no luck. I thought of
using miniature bicycle type chain and ideally, multi-strand
miniature chain. problem is that that most chain is simply too big
and heavy.
>
> During a tour of C & G Research (
http://candgresearch.domainvalet.com/ ) I spotted some unusually
small power transmission chain. By the way, the tour and talk with
Chuck, head of C&G Research was incredibly enlightening and
impressive. Chuck is obviously a master CNC Machinist and Design
Engineer! Very nice custom work, Chuck!
>
> So, I've plowed my way through all the links you sent (Many thanks
to you all!) but I haven't found that supplier of light weight multi-
strand chain that can be used as robot tracks. What do you think,
folks? Do you know of that supplier who makes unusually small and
light weight multi strand chain? Any ideas on a better design? I
want to stick with tracks / treads because of their incredible
climbing and turning power. Let me know your thoughts and thanks for
all your help!
>
> Scott
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]