Hex Shaft Motion Components from Studica Robotics

FTC teams have spoken, and we listened! We are thrilled to introduce Studica Robotics hex shaft motion components, engineered to enhance torque, stability, and precision and keep your robot competition-ready and performing at its best.

Why Choose Hex Shafts?

A hex shaft’s six-sided design offers significant advantages over round shafts and even D-shaft components, particularly for transmitting power. These advantages include improved torque transfer, anti-rotation between components, and greater contact area. Imagine tackling a high-torque challenge like lifting heavy game elements without risking slippage. Hex shafts allow your robot to grip confidently and handle important tasks with ease. Here’s a quick comparison of different shafts to highlight why hex shafts provide more stability and durability for FTC competition tasks.

Hex Shaft vs. D-Shaft Comparison Summary

Feature	Hex Shaft	D-Shaft
Improved Torque Transfer	Six contact points ensure even load distribution, reducing slippage and failures in high-torque tasks like pushing or lifting.	Limited surface contact makes it more prone to wear or slippage. Requires frequent maintenance for reliability during matches.
Anti-Rotation Between Components	Prevents slippage between shafts and hubs, maintaining precise alignment in high-load components like wheel hubs.	One contact point resists rotation but can create failure points if not perfectly fitted, leading to misalignment in precision tasks.
Greater Contact Area	Offers more contact points that provide a secure grip, minimizing slippage and wear over time. Ideal for mechanisms with varying torque loads.	Two points of contact increase slippage risk under heavy loads, leading to potential mechanical failure.

Key Components for FTC Teams

When it comes to building a well-rounded, competitive robot, having the right components is essential. Here are a few Studica Robotics hex-shaft components to consider:

Axles & Shafts: Perfect for tough maneuvers like pushing against obstacles or lifting heavy game elements. Hex axles provide a reliable structure for transferring power without slipping, so your robot stays strong and stable in high-pressure situations, like endgame lifts.
Bearings & Bushings: These reduce friction in your drivetrain and other moving parts, making each movement smoother. By minimizing energy loss to friction, your robot can operate longer, which is crucial for matches that demand endurance and precision.
Collars: Hex collars lock your components in place, ensuring they stay secure and don’t shift along the shaft. This stability prevents slippage during quick maneuvers or direction changes, maintaining reliable control during complex tasks like rapid turning or lifting.
Couplings: When your design needs extra reach, couplings let you join two shafts without sacrificing alignment or power transmission. Ideal for extending arms or lift systems, so your robot reaches new heights while maintaining smooth operation.
Gears: Hex gears provide consistent, powerful control of your drive system and lift mechanisms. With our gears, you get reliable torque transfer that keeps your robot moving efficiently and precisely in high-torque applications like climbing or pushing.
Hubs: Hubs connect wheels, gears, and pulleys to hex shafts securely. This precise alignment minimizes wobble, so your wheels and gears rotate smoothly—essential for consistent performance in driving and maneuvering.
Pulleys: Use pulleys to transfer power smoothly across belt-driven systems. With controlled, steady motion, pulleys make complex mechanisms like lifting arms and multi-axis systems operate with precision and reliability.
Spacers: Spacers ensure proper alignment between components, reducing friction and preventing parts from rubbing against each other. By keeping everything in place, spacers help extend the lifespan of your components and maintain smooth operation in every match.

Maximizing Hex Shaft Performance: Key Tips

Now that you know the benefits of these components, here are some tips on incorporating them effectively into your robot.

Plan Your Layout: Consider how the shaft will interact with other components, ensuring there’s enough space for bearings, gears, and collars.
Secure All Connections: A solid connection between the hex shaft and other parts is critical. Use collars and secure fasteners to prevent slippage during operation.
Experiment with Configurations: Hex shafts allow for flexibility in design. Test different configurations to find the best setup for your robot’s tasks.

Try different setups in your next build practice! See which configuration gives you the most control and power for your INTO THE DEEP tasks.

Take Your Build to the Next Level

Hex shaft components deliver unmatched durability, reliability, and performance for FTC robots. From powering drive systems to perfecting lifting mechanisms, Studica Robotics motion components give you a competitive edge. Ready to power up? Explore our full line of hex shaft motion components and equip your team with tools for victory!