# Boxtube construction Tube-based construction uses square (or rectangular) extrusion as the main structure. It’s popular for building strong, minimal-friction drivetrains, arms, and linear slide supports. Teams often use aluminum tubing or extruded building systems like REV or GoBILDA. #### How It Works * Structural members are made from 1x1" aluminum tube or extrusion. * Plates, brackets, or gussets are bolted to the tube faces. * Components like slides or bearings ride along or inside the tubing. #### Pros * **Very Rigid:** Tubing resists bending, great for arms and frames. * **Modular Mounting:** You can tap into tube faces or use brackets. * **Efficient Use of Space:** Great strength-to-volume ratio. #### Cons * **Requires Precision:** Drilling/tapping holes straight is critical. * **Difficult to Modify:** Custom tube setups don’t allow sliding or quick realignment. * **Access Needed:** Tube interiors are hard to reach once closed off. #### FTC Tips * Use 1x1” 1/16” wall aluminum tubing (e.g., 6061-T6) for strong but light framing. * Tap ends for M3 or M4 screws using 3D-printed guides or jigs. * Clamp or bolt corner gussets for rigid 90° joints. * Consider nested ¾” tube inside 1” for telescoping mechanisms. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://www.ftcwiki.org/design-style/design-methodologies/boxtube-construction.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.