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Digital Calipers 1.Close the jaws of the calipers shut. 2.Click the "Zero" Button on the calipers. 3.Open the jaws and clamp on the part you wish to measure. 4.Tighten the set screw. 5.Read it! Dial Calipers 1.Close the jaws of the calipers shut. 2.U...

There are 3 different ways to measure with calipers. 1.Measuring the external dimension of a part. To do this clamp on the outside using the external measuring jaws. EX: Measuring the side lengths of a cube. 2.Measuring the internal dimension of a part....

Fasteners are components used to mechanically join two or more parts together. In FRC, fasteners are essential for building rigid structures, attaching mechanisms, and allowing robots to be serviced and repaired efficiently. Common types of fasteners include ...

As a mechanical engineer on the team you will be working in the shop constantly. The shop is a dangerous place for your eyes so in order to preserve your vision use safety glasses. Particularly safety glasses with the code: ANSI Z87 There are two types of s...

Appropriate clothing and hair management are essential for maintaining a safe working environment. Loose clothing, jewelry, and unsecured hair can become caught in moving machinery, power tools, and rotating equipment, creating serious hazards. Clothing Requi...

The safety of all team members is the highest priority. In the event of an emergency, students should remain calm, notify a mentor or team leader immediately, and follow established safety procedures. No student should attempt to handle a serious emergency alo...

Bolt and Nut A bolt passes through two or more materials and is secured with a nut on the opposite side. Advantages: High strength connections Easy to replace damaged hardware Good for structural joints Disadvantages: Requires access to both sides...

Phillips screws are cross-head fasteners designed to allow controlled slipping (cam-out) under high torque. Common driver sizes: PH0: Very small electronics PH1: Small screws and sensors PH2: Most common hardware PH3: Large fasteners Correct Driver F...

Washers are thin discs placed under fastener heads or nuts. Flat Washers Distribute load over a larger area Prevent surface damage Lock Washers Help resist loosening from vibration Less common in modern FRC than Nylock nuts Fender Washers Ext...

Nylock nuts contain a nylon insert that increases friction on the threads. Advantages: Resist loosening due to vibration Reliable for moving mechanisms Common in robotics assemblies Limitations: Nylon degrades under high heat Reuse is limited (los...

Rivets are permanent mechanical fasteners used to join materials, especially aluminum. Common sizes: 1/8 inch 3/16 inch Advantages Lightweight Fast installation Strong in shear applications Limitations Not removable without drilling out Req...

When to Use Use blue threadlocker when: Fasteners are exposed to vibration A joint must stay secure over time A Nylock nut is not practical Polycarbonate Warning Do not use threadlocker in contact with polycarbonate (Lexan) or other stress-sensitiv...

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 mech...

Accurate measurement is critical in FRC fabrication. Small errors can cause misaligned parts and poor assembly fit. Reference Edge (Most Important Rule) Always measure from a consistent, known reference point. For FRC extrusion, this should be the factory-...

Accurate hole placement in FRC depends on using a consistent datum and properly marking drill locations before cutting. Using a Datum for Hole Layout A datum is a fixed reference edge used to measure all features from. For plates, the best datum is usuall...

Accurate layout work in FRC depends on clearly marking where cuts and holes will be made. Scribing and marking tools help create precise, repeatable reference lines before drilling or cutting. Pencil and Marker Used for general layout on metal and plates...

"Measure twice, cut once" What Is Tolerance? Tolerance defines how far a part can deviate from its intended dimension while still working correctly. Example: 10.000" ± 1/32" This means the part can be slightly larger or smaller and still be acceptable...

T-handles and wrenches are common hand tools used in FRC for installing and removing fasteners. Choosing the right tool improves speed, safety, and prevents damage to hardware. T-Handles T-handles are used with hex (Allen) fasteners and provide better torq...

Ratchets and sockets are common hand tools in FRC used for quickly tightening or loosening nuts and bolt heads. They are especially useful in tight spaces where a wrench cannot fully rotate. Ratchet A ratchet is a handle tool that allows continuous tighten...

Pliers and vice grips are gripping tools used in FRC for holding, bending, and temporarily securing parts. They are not primary fastening tools, but they are useful for support tasks during assembly. Pliers Pliers are hand tools used to grip, bend, or hold...