My only concern with using Hardox or other metal is the weight, i've no experience with newfangled metals so its hard to judge if my design even CAD up and waterjet cut will be suitable once bolted together.

I've looked at using 'online material calculators' but again those are only a 'guide' to which still isn't overall helpful in determining the built machines weight.

There are also conflicting arguments on what thickness of materials to be using on parts, chassis, armor, bulkheads etc etc...

maybe someone could enlighten me from battle tested scars what works well for specific materials and sections/parts, alui chassis, HDPE, steel?

to be honest my very first though was to go in an make this entirely from HDPE with a steel dozer blade, or completely of 3mm steel sheet and Swiss cheese it to reduce weight.

anyones thoughts on that? again i'm aware spinners vs steel is a bit of a lost cause, but for the kids first robot to get them started its a cheap option but heavy duty option but also steel can be heat treated... so i'm leaning towards experimenting their too.

to many theory's... need some definitive answers...