General & Combat Robotics

We proudly support general robotics (such as FIRST Robotics), combat robotics (such as BattleBots), and STEM programs across the US with large or small quantities of cut-to-size materials delivered directly to your door.

Shop All Robotics Materials

"Online Metals is Team Valkyries' first stop when scoping out raw materials to build our BattleBot because of their wide range of materials and sizes to choose from.”
– Team Valkryie, BattleBots

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BattleBots & Choosing the Right Materials

What is BattleBots and how do you choose materials that can deliver and take blows without faltering?

Combat Robotics: Weapons & Armor

Weapons and armor put the “battle” in BattleBots and there are a multitude of factors that go into the design.

What is the FIRST Robotics Competition?

All skill levels and specialties are welcome in this inspiring international high school robotics competition.

Need Waterjet Parts For Your Robot?

Now offering precision custom cuts with fast turnaround for your next robot build!

Learn More About Our Waterjet Service

Meet Team Valkyrie

Team Valkyrie

Meet Hypershock

Hypershock

Meet Ballard Robotics

Ballard Robotics

What is combat robotics?

Combat robotics (such as BattleBots) is a head-to-head competition in which robots must be designed to both deliver blows powerful enough to disable opposing robots and be able to take blows without faltering as well.

What materials should I use for combat robotics (like BattleBots)?

The main materials we provide that are heavily used in combat robotics are Aluminum (6061, 5052, and 2024), Titanium Grade 2, Alloy Steel (4130 or 4140), AR500 steel, S7 Tool Steel, & UHMW. We have a few great articles that go much more in depth into why and when to choose each material.

What metal are robots made of?

The most common metals used in robot buildings consist of Aluminum, Titanium, and Steel. Depending on the intended responsibilities of the robot, you will need to balance your goals in terms of weight, strength & durability, and machinability. Metal will often serve as the structure, base, or armor/weapon in combat robotics.

Which material is best for robot chassis?

The two most used metals for a robot chassis are Aluminum and Steel.

Aluminum is one of the lighter and softer metals which provides great machinability and handles the elements well.
Steel is the hardest and strongest material for building your chassis. Steel is relatively cheap, handles abuse well, is thermally conductive (though not as conductive as aluminum) and welding steel is easy in comparison to aluminum.

What plastics are best for robotics?

The two most used metals for a robot chassis are Aluminum and Steel.

Acrylic may be suitable for low-stress structural parts such as robot bodies.
Polycarbonate is considerably stronger than acrylic, and PVC plastic is easy-to-process.
Acetal resin, an engineering plastic, is both dense and strong.
UHMW can be used for low-friction surfaces like skid pads and sliding joints, as well as for tough, impact and abrasion resistant components designed to take a hit.