Steel

Steel is a strong, heavy metal sometimes used in FRC for high-strength or wear-resistant applications. While aluminum is more common, steel is chosen when extra strength or durability is required. 

 

 Why FRC Teams Use Steel 

 Steel is used because it: 

 

 Has very high strength 

 Resists bending and deformation 

 Handles high loads and impacts well 

 Works well for shafts and fasteners 

 

 

 Common Types of Steel in FRC 

 Mild Steel 

 

 Easy to machine and cut 

 Used for simple brackets or mounts 

 Heavier than aluminum 

 

 Hardened Steel 

 

 Very strong and wear-resistant 

 Used for shafts, axles, and gears 

 Difficult to machine without proper tools 

 

 

 Common Applications 

 

 Drive shafts and axles 

 Bearings and wear surfaces 

 High-load mounting hardware 

 Gearboxes and transmission components 

 

 

 Limitations 

 

 Much heavier than aluminum 

 Harder to machine and drill 

 Can slow down robot performance if overused 

 Requires stronger tools and more effort to modify 

 

 

 Key Idea 

 Steel is used in FRC when strength and durability matter more than weight. It is most commonly found in shafts, fasteners, and high-load components rather than full structural frames.