Search Results

A rivet gun is a tool used to install blind rivets in FRC. It works by pulling a mandrel through the rivet body, expanding it and locking materials together permanently. Types of Rivet Guns Hand Rivet Gun Manually operated with handles Most common in F...

Rivets are simple to install, but small errors can lead to weak joints, misalignment, or failed assemblies in FRC robots. Incorrect Hole Size Using a hole that is too large reduces holding strength Using a hole that is too small can deform the rivet or ...

A tapped hole is a drilled hole that has internal threads cut into it so a screw or bolt can be directly threaded into the material without using a nut. How It Works A hole is drilled to a specific size (called a tap drill size) A tool called a tap is u...

Page — Tap Drill Hole Sizes (10-32 and 1/4-20) Before tapping a hole, the correct drill bit diameter must be used. The tap drill is slightly smaller than the final thread size so the tap can cut threads into the material properly. 10-32 Tap Holes For a 10...

A hand tap is a tool used to cut internal threads into a drilled hole so that a screw or bolt can be directly fastened into material such as aluminum. Before Tapping Drill the correct tap drill size hole (example: #21 for 10-32, #7 for 1/4-20) Deburr th...

Cutting fluid is a lubricant used during drilling and tapping to reduce friction and heat. Why It’s Used Reduces heat buildup Lowers friction on tools Helps produce cleaner threads Extends drill and tap life When to Use It Tapping aluminum (10...

Preventing broken taps comes down to control, preparation, and patience. Key Habits Drill the correct tap drill size before starting Keep the tap perfectly straight Use cutting fluid to reduce friction Turn slowly and apply light, steady pressure Bac...

Aluminum is one of the most important materials in FRC. Different aluminum series have very different strengths, machining behavior, and real-world use in robot components. 6061-T6 Aluminum 6061-T6 is the most common structural extrusion material in FRC. ...

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 ve...

Polycarbonate (often called “polycarb”) is a tough, transparent plastic widely used in FRC for protective and structural sheet applications. Why FRC Teams Use Polycarbonate Polycarbonate is used because it: Is very impact resistant (won’t easily shatter...

SRPP is a glass-filled polypropylene sheet material commonly used in FRC, often supplied or popularized through vendors like West Coast Products. What It Is SRPP is a reinforced plastic made from: Polypropylene base material Glass fiber reinforcement ...

Plywood is a layered wood composite made by pressing thin sheets of wood veneer together with alternating grain directions. This structure gives it strength and resistance to cracking compared to solid wood. Why FRC Teams Use It Plywood is used because it:...

Each material used in FRC has distinct mechanical and manufacturing properties that determine how it behaves under load, during machining, and in real-world robot use. 6061-T6 Aluminum High strength and stiffness Excellent machinability Holds tapped th...

Sheet materials in FRC come in standard thickness increments. These increments strongly affect stiffness, weight, and how parts behave under load. Common Sheet Thickness Increments Most sheet materials (aluminum, polycarbonate, plastics) are typically avai...

10-32 is the most common fastener size used in FRC. It provides a good balance of strength, weight, and ease of use, making it suitable for many robot assemblies. What Does 10-32 Mean? #10 refers to the screw diameter. 32 refers to the number of threads...

1/4-20 hardware is commonly used in FRC for high-load applications where additional strength is needed. The larger diameter provides greater thread engagement and improved resistance to stripping. What Does 1/4-20 Mean? 1/4 refers to the major diameter o...

Shafts are rotating elements used to transmit torque through a robot’s mechanisms. In FRC, different shaft geometries are used depending on how securely components must transfer motion and how much load the system experiences. Common Shaft Types 1/2" Hex S...

Bearings and bushings support rotating shafts and reduce friction between moving parts. They are essential components in nearly every FRC mechanism. Bearings Bearings use rolling elements, typically balls, to allow shafts to rotate with very low friction. ...

Plastic washers are low-friction spacing components commonly used in FRC to reduce wear, prevent metal-on-metal contact, and fine-tune alignment in assemblies. West Coast Products (WCP) offers commonly used versions designed for FRC mechanisms. What They Do...

Standoffs are rigid spacers with threaded ends or through-holes used to separate and support two parallel components at a fixed distance. They are commonly used in FRC to build compact, lightweight assemblies. What They Do Standoffs: Maintain a fixed di...