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  • REV DUO
  • Structure
    • Introduction to Structure
      • 15mm Extrusion
      • 15mm x 30mm Extrusion
      • 15mm x 45mm C Channel
      • 45mm x 45mm U Channel
      • Flat Plate
      • Flat Beam
      • L Beam
    • Brackets
    • Corrugated Plastic Sheets
    • M3 Hardware
  • Motion
    • Introduction to Motion
      • Hex Shaft and Spacers
      • Bearings
    • Sprockets and Chain
      • Advanced Sprockets and Chain
      • Chain Tool
    • Timing Belts and Pulleys
    • Gears
      • Advanced Gears
    • Wheels
    • Linear Motion
    • Choosing an Actuator
    • Motors
      • HD Hex Motor
        • Pinion Pressing Guide
        • Pinion Removal Guide
      • Core Hex Motor
    • Servos
      • Smart Robot Servo
  • Building Techniques
    • Tips and Tricks for Building
    • Supporting Motion
    • Constraining Motion
    • Compatibility
  • Build Guides
  • Linear Motion Kit
    • Three Stage Cascading Lift
    • Three Stage Continuous Lift
  • Channel Drivetrain
    • Single Sprocket Shaft Assembly
    • Double Sprocket Shaft Assembly
    • Drive Shaft Assembly
    • UltraPlanetary Gearbox Assembly
    • Making the Chain Links
    • Drive Rail Assembly
    • Final Assembly
  • Channel Drivetrain - Mecanum Upgrade
    • 90mm Single Sprocket Shaft Assembly
    • 75mm Single Sprocket Shaft Assembly
    • Drive Shaft Assembly
    • UltraPlanetary Gearbox Assembly
    • Making the Chain Links
    • Drive Rail Assembly
    • Final Assembly
    • Mecanum Wheel Setup and Behaviour
  • Mecanum Drivetrain V2
    • UltraPlanetary Gearbox Assembly
    • Drive Rail Assembly
    • Final Assembly
    • Mecanum Wheel Setup and Behavior
    • Mecanum Drivetrain Example Code
  • Mecanum Drivetrain Kit
    • UltraPlanetary Gearbox Assembly
    • Drive Rail Assembly
    • Final Assembly
    • Mecanum Wheel Setup and Behavior
    • Mecanum Drivetrain Example Code
  • Extrusion Chain Drivetrain
    • Pre-Loading Brackets
    • Traction Wheel Assembly
    • Omni Wheel Assembly
    • UltraPlanetary Gearbox Assembly
    • Internal Chassis Frame Assembly
    • Making the Chain Links
    • Final Assembly
  • Extrusion Gear Drivetrain
    • Pre-Loading Brackets
    • Omni Wheel Assembly
    • Middle Grip Wheel Assembly
    • Front Grip Wheel Assembly
    • Gear Idler Assembly
    • UltraPlanetary Gearbox Assembly
    • Internal Chassis Frame Assembly
    • Final Assembly
  • Class Bot V2
    • Pre-Loading Brackets
    • Internal Robot Frame Assembly
    • External Robot Frame Assembly
    • Wheel Assemblies
    • Arm Gear Assemblies
    • Arm Assemblies
    • Final Assembly
  • Class Bot
    • Pre-Loading Brackets
    • Internal Robot Frame Assembly
    • External Robot Frame Assembly
    • Wheel Assemblies
    • Arm Gear Assemblies
    • Arm Assemblies
    • Final Assembly
  • Electronics and Communication
    • REV Control System
    • Sensors
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On this page
  • Snug, Not Stuck!
  • Bracket Ribs Should Face the Extrusion Slot
  • Pre-Load Brackets With Screws
  • Studs Should Be Up
  • Nut Direction Matters
  • Plan Ahead!
  • Modifying Length

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  1. Building Techniques

Tips and Tricks for Building

Take a look at the following tips and tricks so that you can quickly become a master builder with the REV DUO Build System.

PreviousSmart Robot ServoNextSupporting Motion

Last updated 10 months ago

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Snug, Not Stuck!

When tightening a screw, firm will do. Do not keep tightening until the screw can no longer turn because this can damage structure, actuators, and eventually the screw itself. Simply secure the screw to the point that the pressure is firm.

Bracket Ribs Should Face the Extrusion Slot

The side with the small ribs will always face towards the extrusion when assembling, so that the ribs can help square the bracket to the extrusion.

Pre-Load Brackets With Screws

When securing a bracket to extrusion it is recommended to pre-load the bracket with screws. When the screws are loaded on the bracket before it is even brought near the extrusion, it is less likely that screws will fall out or get misaligned. The bracket can then be slid into place along the slot.

Studs Should Be Up

Building “stud up” is recommended with the REV DUO Build System. This means building with the screw head inside of the extrusion. Pay attention to the direction that screws go into the brackets, only the screw head will fit in the extrusion.

Nut Direction Matters

When using the nyloc nuts, make sure the beveled “nyloc” side is facing out.

Plan Ahead!

Modifying Length

When building different mechanisms, your design may need a specific length of extrusion or channel. Cutting structure down to the correct size is easy to do, and is recommended for these applications. Here are a few tips when cutting down structure to the right size.

  • Measure twice, cut once

    • Use a straight edge, not a measuring tape, to get a proper length. Using a marker with a sharp point, like a sharpie, helps as the "inside" of the mark is where to cut.

  • Use painter's tape

    • Preparing the structure before cutting by applying painter's tape can help make straight cuts. Align the edge of the tape with the mark and wrap along the cutting plane to help identify where to cut.

  • Use the right tool

    • At minimum, use a handheld hacksaw with a vice or clamp.

    • If using a powered saw, REV recommends using a horizontal bandsaw with proper clamping and safety measures to prevent injury.

    • Make sure that both sides of the structure being cut are supported while cutting to ensure a straight cut.

If using a handheld hacksaw, clamping the structure inside of a miter box helps to make various angled cuts to use structure for supports.

Using a Chop Saw or Powered Miter Saw is NOT recommended. These types of saws can cause the structure being cut to "kick" away from the blade, leading to potentially dangerous situations.

For information on alignment ribs and the differences between plastic and metal brackets check out the information page on

Have a plan for where the brackets and other structure pieces will go before building. Once pieces of extrusion are connected together it can be difficult to go back and add things without having to disassemble the robot. can be used occasionally, but it is not recommended to build the entire robot this way.

brackets
T-slot Screws