Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Miniture metal chain

Hi Scott,

Two thoughts spring to mind - make your own tracks with a cnc miller ;>) or
maybe look at something like metal link watch straps. If you find the right
places you should be able to get cheap stainless steel ones (like the ones
on 'dollar' watches) - get a number of non-tapered ones and string the
appropriate bits together to make long tracks, or find a manufacturer
(Taiwan, Hong Kong?) and buy a length from them.

Ian
--
Ian W. Wright
Sheffield UK
www.iw63.freeserve.co.uk

----- Original Message -----
From: "S.L.Ramsay" <slramsay@...>
To: "CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO" <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: 04 November 2001 17:05
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Miniture metal chain


> 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]
>
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