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Shafts

Shafts are rotating components used to transmit torque and support moving mechanisms on an FRC robot. They are commonly used with gears, pulleys, sprockets, wheels, and rollers.

Common Shaft Sizes

Typical FRC shaft sizes include:

  • 1/2" hex shaft
  • 3/8" hex shaft
  • 1/2" round shaft

Among these, 1/2" hex shaft is the most common because it allows components to directly transmit torque without additional keys or set screws.

Common Materials

Shafts are typically made from:

  • Steel for high strength and wear resistance
  • Aluminum for lightweight applications

Steel shafts are most common because they resist bending and twisting under load.

Common Applications

Shafts are used in:

  • Drivetrains
  • Intakes and rollers
  • Elevators and arms
  • Gearboxes
  • Wheel assemblies

Important Properties

  • Strength: Resists bending and twisting
  • Stiffness: Prevents deflection under load
  • Wear resistance: Handles bearings and rotating components
  • Weight: Larger shafts provide more strength but add mass

Common Mistakes

  • Using a shaft that is too small for the load
  • Allowing unsupported shaft spans to become too long
  • Improperly retaining the shaft
  • Misaligning bearings and shaft supports

Key Idea

Shafts transfer power throughout an FRC robot. Selecting the proper size, material, and support method ensures reliable and efficient mechanisms.

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