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When to use which material

Fabrication Materials

Each material used in FRC has distinct mechanical and manufacturing properties that determine how...

Updated 2 months ago by eharis

Plywood

Fabrication Materials

Plywood is a layered wood composite made by pressing thin sheets of wood veneer together with alt...

Updated 2 months ago by eharis

SRPP (Glass-Filled Polypropylene)

Fabrication Materials

SRPP is a glass-filled polypropylene sheet material commonly used in FRC, often supplied or popul...

Updated 2 months ago by eharis

Polycarbonate

Fabrication Materials

Polycarbonate (often called “polycarb”) is a tough, transparent plastic widely used in FRC for pr...

Updated 2 months ago by eharis

Steel

Fabrication Materials

Steel is a strong, heavy metal sometimes used in FRC for high-strength or wear-resistant applicat...

Updated 2 months ago by eharis

Preventing Broken Taps (Conclusion)

Fabrication Tapping Threads

Preventing broken taps comes down to control, preparation, and patience. Key Habits Drill t...

Updated 2 months ago by eharis

Cutting Fluid

Fabrication Tapping Threads

Cutting fluid is a lubricant used during drilling and tapping to reduce friction and heat. Why...

Updated 2 months ago by eharis

Using a Hand Tap

Fabrication Tapping Threads

A hand tap is a tool used to cut internal threads into a drilled hole so that a screw or bolt can...

Updated 2 months ago by eharis

Tap Drill Hole Sizes

Fabrication Tapping Threads

Page — Tap Drill Hole Sizes (10-32 and 1/4-20) Before tapping a hole, the correct drill bit diam...

Updated 2 months ago by eharis

General Overview

Fabrication Tapping Threads

A tapped hole is a drilled hole that has internal threads cut into it so a screw or bolt can be d...

Updated 2 months ago by eharis

Common Mistakes

Fabrication Riveting

Rivets are simple to install, but small errors can lead to weak joints, misalignment, or failed a...

Updated 2 months ago by eharis

Rivet Guns

Fabrication Riveting

A rivet gun is a tool used to install blind rivets in FRC. It works by pulling a mandrel through ...

Updated 2 months ago by eharis

Sizes and Grip Range

Fabrication Riveting

Blind rivets are a common fastening method in FRC used to join sheet metal, gussets, and extrusio...

Updated 2 months ago by eharis

Blind Rivets

Fabrication Riveting

Blind rivets (also called “pop rivets”) are a common fastening method in FRC used to join materia...

Updated 2 months ago by eharis

Why FRC Teams Use Rivets

Fabrication Riveting

Rivets are permanent mechanical fasteners commonly used in FRC for joining thin materials such as...

Updated 2 months ago by eharis

Proper Feed Pressure and Speed

Fabrication Drilling

Proper feed pressure and drill speed are important for producing clean holes, extending tool life...

Updated 2 months ago by eharis

Drill Presses vs. Hand Drills

Fabrication Drilling

Both drill presses and hand drills are commonly used in FRC fabrication. Choosing the correct too...

Updated 2 months ago by eharis

Pilot Holes

Fabrication Drilling

A pilot hole is a small hole drilled before the final hole size. Pilot holes improve accuracy and...

Updated 2 months ago by eharis

Drill Bit Sizes

Fabrication Drilling

Selecting the correct drill bit size is important for proper fastener fit, tapping, and hole accu...

Updated 2 months ago by eharis

Clamps

Fabrication Hand Tools

Clamps are holding tools used in FRC fabrication to secure parts together during assembly, drilli...

Updated 2 months ago by eharis