Material for a four bar lifter mechanism

[ChrisKazoo]

Looking to build a four bar lifter (like biohazard/storm 2) but with lifting forks for my feather weight and was wondering if anyone had any advice regarding materials for it?

Would 10 mm steel be overkill/too heavy? or would 10mm ally be adequate and be able to survive against the likes of NST etc?

thanks

[Eventorizon]

Re: Material for a four bar lifter mechanism

10mm thick is to much, 6mm is probably better but may still be to thick. All depends on the profile of the beam. Got any CAD or design Sketches to give us a better idea?

Edit: Also what kind of steel are you going to use, it will change the thickness you need.

[Max]

Re: Material for a four bar lifter mechanism

Your are probably best to use box section aluminium or steel rather than solid material.

[ChrisKazoo]

Re: Material for a four bar lifter mechanism

Just had a go at CADding it, seems my skills aren't up to scratch lol

It will pretty much be like Storm 2's:



But with an actuator pushing the front bar.

The steel I use will be a combination of what you guys recommend and what I can get my hands on

Box section sounds like a good weight saving idea, could it take a hit from a nasty spinner?

[Merkabah_PT]

Re: Material for a four bar lifter mechanism

Build the arm using box section and then cover it by welding steel plate. The box section alone will not do the job.

Take a look at this build report, it's a four bar lifter: http://www.fightingrobots.co.uk/fraf...p?f=240&t=2915

[ChrisKazoo]

Re: Material for a four bar lifter mechanism

Build the arm using box section and then cover it by welding steel plate. The box section alone will not do the job.

Take a look at this build report, it's a four bar lifter: http://www.fightingrobots.co.uk/fraf...p?f=240&t=2915

Awesome thanks for that, will really help