This spring, we had the opportunity to support PCT’s Baja SAE racing team with a donation of titanium for their vehicle. We interviewed Clinton Bettner, Team Captain, to see how their vehicle fared in this year’s competitions. [Read more…]

Recently, we’ve had the opportunity to sponsor Michigan Baja Racing Team. They compete with SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Baja, which is a student competition wherein the teams each build and race a single seat off-road vehicle. We were able to interview Justin Lopas, Team Captain, for insight into the team and competition. [Read more…]

In March, PTG was able to provide 6AL-4V, 0.125” sheet and 0.5” plate to Team Xenos, a combat robotics team from Akron STEM High School. They’ve now finished their competition for the year and were able to share some follow-up comments, photos, and a video of their robot Titan:

“Team Xenos would like to thank you for everything PTG did to help with funding the robot. This year we had some trouble finding funds to finish this off, and without your help we would have never finished.

Your Titanium held up extremely well, even when other parts of the robot may not have. While most robot’s baseplates were completely destroyed, it took two competitions and seven fights for your bottom plate to even begin to bend. Even after all the fights the weapon went through, it never bent either. The closest it came was the knife-sharp point on the tip of it beginning to chip.
We received many compliments on our drive system, and it would never have turned out as well without your help.”

Watch the short video below to see Titan in action:

We are looking forward to seeing how this team progresses and what they will design for next year!
To find out more about Team Xenos and read about their robot Titan, visit: http://teamxenos.weebly.com/titan.html

We have had the absolute pleasure of working with one of our local FIRST Robotics teams, Team Spyder. When we first contacted Team Spyder last year, they were quick to bring their robot out to do a demonstration for us – we were amazed by the knowledge and ability of these students!

In April, we went to see Team Spyder compete at the San Diego Regionals, where they won several awards and placed 6 out of 58. Pretty impressive!

We got in touch with Philip Thomas (Team President) and Kent Roberts (Mechanical Lead and Drive Team Coach) to give us a behind the scenes look into Team Spyder and the FIRST Robotics program.

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PTG: Philip, tell us a little bit about the team.

Philip: Team Spyder is the Poway High School Robotics Team. The team started as an engineering club, but in time developed into a robotics club with participation in the First Robotics Competition. The team’s first year in FRC was in 2004, with only seven members. That year, Team Spyder won the highest rookie seed award, and developed a reputation for learning and success.

Over the years, Team Spyder has grown to be one of the largest clubs at Poway High with 63 current members. Our vision is to inspire engineering throughout the community, and our mission is to create a culture of engineering inspiration throughout the community. Team Spyder works towards its mission and vision through demonstrations, attending city council meetings, and hosting and assisting multiple STEM competitions, fairs, and events throughout San Diego.

Team Spyder is a club that not only teaches students about the principles of engineering, but also cultivates a passion for leadership, dedication, and success. Team Spyder is about inspiring students to tackle the challenges of the future, and encouraging them to make a difference within the STEM fields. However, Team Spyder not only encompasses its student members. The team is also composed of the many adult mentors and volunteers who give their time and knowledge for the team, and the many companies, corporations, and foundations that sponsor and donate to the team. Without their help, Team Spyder would not be the success it is today.

[Read more…]

PTG is very excited to be sponsoring another robotics team! This time the team is competing in combat events. Team Xenos comes from Akron STEM High School. The team consists of six members, in grades 9 and 10. They give us some insight into combat robots and the journey they’ve had so far.

 

[Read more…]

 

 

This month, PTG had the opportunity to help the Northwestern University Formula Racing Team by providing materials for their latest undertaking. Preston Wang, the team’s Suspension Lead, gives us a further look into the team and the process involved in building a formula race car!

[Read more…]