We recently got the following message from Aptyx Designs, currently the #3 seed and a semi-finalist in this season's BattleBots.
Want to see how our frame was built? We designed all of our aluminum unibody frame to be waterjet cut by Big Blue Saw! The frame is all 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" 6061 aluminum plate. By designing the parts with interlocking puzzle tabs, there is a strong mechanical joint even before welding!
This method allows for super fast construction, accurate jigging for welding, and a strong mechanical joint by having the zig-zag weld area, and lots of filets for welding.
If you design parts, you can upload them to Big Blue Saw and get instant quotes, including the material costs, and see how your design affects the pricing! No need for sending out for quotes and waiting, they are super easy to work with.
After all of or parts were waterjet cut, we were able to do minimum fit up work, jig everything together, and get Applied Welding in Mountain View to weld everything up for us! Welding thick aluminum requires a very experienced shop to ensure proper penetration and minimal warping. Eddie Irlanda is our man for welding everything!
To learn more about building parts with waterjet cutting, read our articles on construction techniques for use with waterjet cut parts.
