Raw Materials for Industrial Robotics
Industrial robotics systems depend on raw materials that deliver strength, rigidity, precision, and repeatable performance in demanding manufacturing environments. From robotic arms and welding cells to automated assembly equipment and end-of-arm tooling, the right material and shape combination helps engineers build frames, brackets, mounts, housings, rails, guards, and motion components that hold up to continuous use. Onlinemetals makes it easy to source cut-to-size metals and plastics for industrial robotics prototyping, maintenance, and production support.
Top Material, Shape, and Alloy Combinations Used in Industrial Robotics
Aluminum Sheet or Plate 6061
One of the most common material combinations in industrial robotics because it offers a strong balance of strength, machinability, corrosion resistance, and low weight.
- Used for robot base plates and structural mounting plates
- Common for actuator brackets, motor mounts, and tooling plates
- Ideal for machined parts that need tight tolerances and lighter weight than steel
Aluminum Rectangular Tube 6061
A popular choice for lightweight structural frames and support members in industrial automation systems.
- Used for robot carts, machine frames, guarding supports, and automation cell structures
- Helps reduce overall system weight while maintaining rigidity
- Good for weldments and fabricated framework around robotic equipment
Carbon Steel Sheet Cold Rolled Sheet or Hot Rolled Steel Sheet and Plate
Frequently used where mass, stiffness, and durability matter more than weight savings.
- Used for heavy robot bases and floor mounting plates
- Common in fixtures, weld tables, machine supports, and anchor structures
- Helps minimize vibration and movement in larger industrial robotics installations
304 Stainless Steel Sheet and Plate
A go-to material for industrial robotics in environments where cleanliness and corrosion resistance are important.
- Used for covers, guards, enclosures, and washdown-area components
- Common in food processing, packaging, and pharmaceutical automation
- Provides a clean appearance and good long-term corrosion resistance
303 Stainless Round Bar or 304 Stainless Round Bar
Well suited for turned parts that require corrosion resistance and dependable wear performance.
- Used for shafts, standoffs, spacers, pins, and precision supports
- 303 is often selected for machinability, while 304 is used when corrosion resistance is the priority
- Common in moving assemblies and custom machined robotic hardware
Acetal Sheet or Acetal Rod
Engineering plastics are often used alongside metals in industrial robotics where low friction, wear resistance, and easy machining are needed.
- Used for bushings, wear strips, guides, spacers, and non-metallic machined parts
- Helps reduce friction in sliding or contact surfaces
- Useful for lightweight insulating components near sensors and electronics
Featured Robotics Company: Techreo
Techreo develops advanced structural tubing designed specifically for robotic automation systems. Their technology focuses on reducing vibration, deflection, and structural bounce in robotic arms and end-of-arm tooling. These properties are critical in industrial robotics because vibration can reduce positioning accuracy and slow cycle times in high-speed automation environments.
By combining multiple materials and precision layering techniques, Techreo tubing can provide improved stiffness and vibration damping compared to traditional aluminum tubing used in many robotic arm designs. This can help improve robotic system performance, increase payload capacity, and enable longer robotic reach while maintaining precision.
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