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Question Aluminium or Steel for DIY simrig

Discussion in 'New users start here - FAQ' started by Marv, Nov 30, 2018.

  1. Marv

    Marv New Member

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    Hello everybody,
    this is my first thread ever, I hope this is the right place and right way to do this.

    Im planning on upgrading from a G25 to a DD wheel, most likely a SimuCUBE OSW. My current rig is not suited for the torque a DD wheel delivers so I am planning to weld a new one. These are my goals from the new rig:
    • High stiffness for detailed feedback while still being light
    • Possibility to expand to full motion rig (not a seat mover)
    • High adjustibility
    • Good ergonomics
    • Good cable management
    • Easy access to mouse and keyboard
    • Solid mounting point for VR without vibration
    • Price of about 150€
    I am designing the rig in Fusion360 and I will post the progress in a few days.
    While designing it I had two questions in mind:
    • How big / thick should the square tubes be?
    • Which material should I use for the best weight to stiffness ratio?
    Thanks for any answers in advance.
    Any advice is welcome.
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  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    Your questions really depend a fair bit on how the wheel stand is designed and braced.
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  3. AussieSim

    AussieSim Member

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    Take a look at fasttracksims, their original designs are welded steel tube, and their newer design is aluminium sheet. (Although just materials alone will be much more than your budget)

    https://facebook.com/FastTrackSims/
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  4. Marv

    Marv New Member

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    Yeah that’s pretty important I guess. :p
    I am mainly using 35x35x2 in my model now, tommorow i will post some pictures of it.
    Yet I’m still interested if Aluminium is stiffer if I adapt the tube sizes and end up with the same weight compared to the steel rig.
  5. Marv

    Marv New Member

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    Thanks for the link, sadly I didn’t find a tube rig though.
    I already checked, the steel tubes would cost ~ 100€.

    Them switching to aluminium is a good indicator of it being a better suited material, eh?
  6. AussieSim

    AussieSim Member

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    The aluminium was for flat pack shipping, whereas the welded steel tube tc-r1 would probably need a wooden crate.

    https://www.isrtv.com/forums/topic/14358-fts-tc-r1-review/
  7. Marv

    Marv New Member

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    I ordered all the tubes that I need for the rig (hopefully).
    I decided to go for 35x35x2 steel tubes for the main structures, as steel and aluminium have the same specific modulus (stiffness-to-weight-ratio) while steel is less expensive. I hope it wont flex...
    The steel plates in the model (wheel plate and pedal plate) will be about 3mm thick.
    The design I went for is inspired by the GT1 Evo Sim Racing Cockpit from SimLab.
    I'm open for suggestions and inspiration before I start welding.

    Attached Files:

  8. grec pastor

    grec pastor Member

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  9. Marv

    Marv New Member

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