Introduction to FRC Extrusion

Rectangular aluminum extrusion is used in FRC to build robot frames and structural mechanisms. The strength, stiffness, and weight depend on both size and wall thickness. 

 

 Common Extrusion Sizes 

 1" × 1" 

 

 Small, lightweight structural member 

 Used for mechanisms and compact structures 

 

 2" × 1" 

 

 Most common FRC structural extrusion 

 High stiffness in the 2" direction 

 Used for drivetrains and main frames 

 

 2" × 2" 

 

 Heavy-duty, very rigid 

 Used for high-load structures 

 Heavier, used only when needed 

 

 

 Wall Thickness (WCP Options) 

 West Coast Products (WCP) commonly offers: 

 

 0.063" — Lightweight, lower strength 

 0.090" — Balanced strength and weight (most common) 

 0.125" — Maximum strength and stiffness 

 

 Thicker walls increase strength but also add weight. 

 

 0.5 Inch Hole Spacing 

 Many FRC designs use a 0.5 inch grid pattern when drilling extrusion. 

 This means holes are placed every half inch (0.5", 1.0", 1.5", etc.) to create consistent mounting locations. 

 This system: 

 

 Matches CAD layouts 

 Improves alignment between parts 

 Makes fabrication repeatable and accurate 

 Helps standardize robot construction 

 

 

 Key Idea 

 Different extrusion sizes and wall thicknesses control strength and weight, while the 0.5 inch grid system ensures accurate and repeatable assembly.