It is important to consider the robot’s purpose when deciding what the best material is for robot hardware because the material may directly impact the robot’s function, strength, and weight.
Some robot materials are strong but may affect the weight, while others are light, but they may be a factor in their durability. This article will help you explore the common materials for robot hardware and discuss which materials are suitable for different robot functions and tasks.
What is Robot Hardware?
Robot hardware is the physical part of a robot. It is basically the things you can touch and see. These physical parts include the frame or body, arms, wheels, and even the motors and sensors. Just like the bones and muscles in our body, a robot’s hardware is the structure that enables it to move and do tasks. A robot will not have its structure or shape without the hardware.
Robot hardware works with the robot’s brain or the software. While the software gives instructions to the robot, the hardware does the work. Say, for instance, when the software tells the robot to pick something, its motors, arms, and grips do the job. That said, reliable hardware is important because it will directly impact the robot’s performance in real-life situations to perform its function.
Why Does Robot Material Choice Matter?
The material of choice for a robot is a big deal in determining how efficiently it will perform its functions. With so many types of robots these days, materials need to be suitable depending on a robot’s purpose. If a robot is meant to lift heavy loads, it needs strong materials. If it needs to move around quickly or be used in an aircraft, it needs to be lightweight. Picking the right material ensures the robot performs safely and efficiently.
The material also has a great impact on the robot’s maintenance and life span. For example, if a robot needs to be exposed outdoors, then it needs rust and damage-resistant materials because of the extreme environments.
While in hospitals and factories, materials need to have the ability to handle extreme heat or to stay sterile. Choosing the right material ensures that the robot will have a longer life span and avoid early wear and tear, lowering maintenance and repair costs.
What Makes a Material “Good” for Robot Hardware?
To determine a “good” material for a robot, first, it is important to understand the robot’s purpose and environment or workplace. There are also other factors to consider to make a material suitable. A good material should be easy to work with. Easy to shape and cut to use on complex robot designs. The materials also need to be safe to work with when the robot needs to work side by side with humans.
In some cases, robots with extra sensitive electronics need to use materials that don’t conduct electricity. Some materials, like certain plastics or rubber, prevent short circuits or electrical damage to ensure that the robot is performing smoothly and safely.
In essence, the “good” material isn’t always about which is the strongest or the lightest. The good material is always the one that fits the robot’s specific needs to perform its function.
Robot Hardware Components List Overview
Robots are made of different components that work together to make them function to perform a task. Each component plays an important role in ensuring that the robot is running smoothly. Here’s a quick overview of the common components and their purpose.
| Component | Description |
| Frame/Chassis | The structural frame that holds all components |
| Locomotion System | Enables movement. Parts, particularly the joints |
| Sensing System | Allows the robot to detect movement |
| End-Effector | Grippers at the end of the arm. Used to hold objects |
| Connectors & Accessories | Small parts that hold the robot parts together |
Key Properties to Compare
When choosing materials to use for robot hardware. It is crucial to understand and compare the key properties that will determine how well the material will work in different environments. Here are some factors to consider:
Strength
Strength determines how much pressure and stress a material can withstand before bending or breaking. It is important to consider strength because some robots are made to carry heavy loads and be exposed to extreme environments. It is also good to note that stronger materials are often more expensive and heavier.
Weight
The robot’s weight enables it to move around. You may go for materials that are light if the robot needs to move fast or use less energy. But the downside of very light materials is that they may not withstand heavy loads and tasks.
Cost
When building robots on a tight budget, the cost is always a huge consideration. High-quality and high-performance materials are usually extra expensive. Others are more affordable but may not have the same quality. It is important to balance the cost with the type of task the robot will do.
Durability
Durability is about the material’s ability to withstand damage caused by extreme environments over time. Choosing durable materials helps robots get a longer life span and fewer maintenance and repairs.
Metals for Robot Hardware
Steel (4140 & 304)
Steel alloys like 4140 and 304 are heavier than other materials, but they are strong and durable and are often used in frames and high-stress joints because of their capacity to carry heavy loads. These strong alloys are ideal for welding arms and locomotion systems.
Aluminum (6061-T6 & 7075-T6)
Aluminum grades 6061-T6 and 7075-T6 are often used in end-effectors and frames for mobile robots due to their lightweight, corrosion-resistant properties. Their strength-to-weight ratio is also a reason why they are the go-to alloys in robotics.
Titanium (Grade 5 & Grade 2)
Titanium Grades 2 and 5 are especially useful in critical applications such as surgical robots due to their strong, corrosion-resistant nature that makes them ideal for advanced purposes. They can also be used in sensing systems, locomotion components, and even aerospace applications.
Magnesium
Though less durable than other metals, magnesium is super lightweight and has a high strength-to-weight ratio. It is often used in aerospace robotics for satellite frames and wearable exoskeletons.
Copper, Brass, and Bronze
Copper, brass, and bronze’s electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance made them a valued material choice in the robotics industry. These materials are commonly used in connectors and electrical components within the hardware.
Plastics for Robot Hardware
ABS
Due to its durability, ABS is often used in 3D printed parts such as brackets and frames, and it also protects sensors in the automotive industry and collaborative robotics. This impact-resistant thermoplastic material is easy to mold and machine, and is also a popular choice for educational robots.
Nylon (Nylon 6/6 vs Nylon 12)
This synthetic polymer is popular in robotics because of its mechanical strength and damage resistance. Nylon 6/6 is strong and ideal for high-stress robots, while Nylon 12 is often used in 3D-printed assembly robots because of its flexibility.
Polycarbonate
In robotics, polycarbonate is used in sensor domes and shields for industrial robots and machines because it is transparent, heat-resistant, and durable. Its shock-resistant nature also makes it ideal for protecting sensitive parts while providing a clear view.
Advanced Plastics for Robot Hardware
PEEK 450G
PEEK 450G is suitable for precision parts because of its strength, heat, and chemical resistance, and biocompatibility. It is commonly used as PCB trays that prevent static discharge for semiconductor-handling robots.
ULTEM 1000
ULTEM 1000 is ideal for electronic components because it is a flame-resistant thermoplastic that can handle extreme temperatures. This strong and chemical-resistant material is often used in fire-prone environments.
Composites for Robot Hardware
Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber is a heavy-duty but lightweight material often used in high-end robotics projects such as Boston Dynamics and NASA’s Mars rovers. Though it offers strength and high precision, its expensive price may be limited to high-budget projects.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is also reliable in strength and is a more affordable alternative. The downside is that it is heavier and not as durable. Fiberglass is often used as frames and grippers.
Kevlar
Kevlar, being known for its impact resistance, is an ideal material to protect robots. Though not as strong as carbon fiber, it is still considerably better at absorbing shocks when robots are exposed to harsh environments. This material is often used as a protective shield for sensors.
Are New Materials Better Than Traditional Options?
As technology evolves, robot hardware materials also undergo the latest innovations. These new materials have changed the way we build robots over the years. Some of these new materials offer more ease and advantages over traditional materials, but these advancements may also come with challenges. Here are a few examples:
Graphene vs Titanium
Graphene is a super-strong material, but it is also very lightweight. It is made from a single layer of carbon atoms, and it is stronger than titanium. It also conducts electricity very well, which can be maximized in the future of the robotics industry. The downside is, it is expensive and difficult to source to be use in large-scale productions.
Titanium is very popular in robot hardware for its strength, lightweight properties, and rust-resistance. Thus, very sourceable and readily available. But it is not as light and conductive as graphene.
Biodegradable Plastics vs Traditional Polymers
Biodegradable plastics that naturally break down over time are an eco-friendly option. These materials are ideal for reducing environmental impact for disposable robots that are only needed for short-term functions. The downside is that they may not be as strong as traditional plastics.
Traditional polymers like polycarbonate are strong and long-lasting. They are used in robot parts and casing. While traditional polymers are not environmentally friendly, their strength and their ability to withstand high temperatures make them suitable for robots needed for long-term use.
What Material is Best for Your Robot Type?
The material needs of a robot depend on its intended function. When picking the right material, factors like the size and workplace needs need to be considered as well. Here are some materials that work best for some robot types:
Industrial Robots: Steel vs Advanced Composites
Steel is a strong material for heavy-duty robots that carry huge loads and do heavy tasks, just like the robots in factories.
Advanced composites are corrosion-resistant materials that are lighter, which makes them ideal for robots that need to function at speed. This material can also be more expensive.
Small Robots: Aluminum vs. Carbon Fiber Plastics
Aluminum is an easy-to-work-with material that is lightweight and cost-effective.
The material is ideal for robots that need to move around quickly.
Carbon fiber plastics are much lighter and stronger than aluminum, but could be more expensive and harder to work with.
Medical Robots: Titanium vs. PEEK
Titanium is perfect for surgical tools and can be used in implants in medical robots because this material is biocompatible, strong, and corrosion-resistant.
PEEK is a high-performance plastic that is lighter than titanium and also biocompatible. And this material is ideal to use for wearable medical devices.
How Are Robot Materials Made and Shaped?
The next phase after the material is chosen is to shape the parts for the robot. There are several manufacturing methods, each of which offers its own unique strength as a process, but it still highly depends on the material and design.
CNC Machining vs 3D Printing
CNC machining cuts a material from a solid and larger workpiece using computer-assisted tools. It offers precise results and is ideal for metals, though it produces a lot of waste.
3D printing is ideal for custom designs. It builds plastic or metal parts layer by layer, and it offers less waste. This process is slower compared to CNC machining, but is often used for custom and prototypes.
Casting vs Injection Molding
Casting is making a part by molding melted material into a mold to harden and finish the final shape. It is ideal for small-scale production.
Injection molding forces melted plastic into a mold to cool quickly, making it an ideal choice for large-scale productions that require consistency in quality.
Which Materials Fail Most Often?
Materials, no matter how strong and sturdy, may still be prone to wear and damage if not used in the right conditions. Understanding the function and needs of your robot can help you pick the perfect material that lasts.
Rust in Steel vs. Cracking in Plastics
Steel is a great material that offers strength, but it can be prone to rust when exposed to moisture if not coated. Rust can cause the joints or the moving parts of the robot to malfunction when it damages the metal over time.
While plastics don’t rust, they are prone to cracks when exposed to extreme force and stress. Low-cost plastics also have the tendency to become brittle when exposed to cold environments.
Do Composites Handle Heat Better?
Composites, in most cases, handle heat better than standard and low-cost plastics. They don’t melt easily, even when exposed to really high temperatures, but still, constant exposure to high temperatures will cause the material to wear and degrade over time.
Conclusion
The key to building a reliable, efficient, and high-performing robot highly depends on the materials. From lightweight plastics to strong and sturdy metals, each materials offer strength that may be utilized for a specific robot purpose.
If you are looking for custom manufacturing for your next robotic project, RobotCNCParts is here for expert advice, materials, solutions, and high-precision machining. Contact us today for your robotic project needs.
FAQs
What materials are robots made of?
Robots can be made of materials such as metals, plastics, and advanced composites. The choice of material highly depends on the robot’s purpose.
Can robots be made entirely of plastic?
Yes. Robots that are small and light, usually those educational robots, can be made entirely of plastic. However, an all-plastic material is not suitable for high-performance robots used in various industries.
What is the best metal for robots?
Aluminum is mostly considered the best metal for robots because it is lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant.
