Fabrication

Methods

Most of the test platform can be assembled using prefabricated parts and hardware, requiring very little custom fabrication.

Other components require:

• • Additive Manufacturing

  • CNC Machining

  • TIG Welding

  • Drill press

  • Vertical band-saw

The components from Rock West Composites and 8020 Inc. represent the bulk of the design, mostly requiring no custom fabrication techniques. All carbon fiber tubing is cut to size from the manufacturer and most of the joints and assembly components come with their own hardware and are fastened into pre-drilled and tapped holes. The exception to this is fastening the carbon fiber rods to the main blocks and adapters. To assemble these components, the use of an included jig and a hand drill or drill press is required. The components requiring additive manufacturing include the suction-cup-to-ball-joint adapter, the UAS seating cup and cap, and the car rack stanchion adapters. The bracket supporting the UAS seating cup and cap rods requires a TIG welder, vertical band-saw, and drill press. Additional components that require a drill press are the ball joints, suction cups, base plate, yaw and pitch base plates, and the mounting plate that sits on top of the load cell. The car rack components come from 8020 Inc. pre-cut to size and ready to assemble without the need of additional fabrication processes.