SWYFT Box Elevator

Cascading Box Elevator for FRC Robotics

The SWYFT FRC Box Elevator is a rigid, high-performance cascading elevator designed specifically for competitive FRC robots. Built around a 2" x 1" aluminum frame, it delivers exceptional stiffness and perfectly linear motion while remaining easy to build, customize, and maintain. Whether you need a powerful pick-and-place mechanism, a robot lifter, or a versatile vertical motion system, this elevator is engineered to win.

The first stage is driven by dual #25H chains, while the second stage uses dual UHMWPE 4mm rope for smooth cascading motion. All motion is guided by precision 7075 aluminum bearing blocks that incorporate both needle bearings and ball bearings — no rollers — ensuring the carriage stays perfectly constrained for smooth, rigid, and repeatable travel.

Key Specifications

• Frame Size: 2" x 1" aluminum tubing
• Stages: 2-stage cascading design
• Drive:
  • Stage 1: Dual #25H chain
  • Stage 2: Dual UHMWPE 4mm rope cascade
• Bearing System: 7075 aluminum bearing blocks with needle bearings + ball bearings (no rollers)
• Maximum Starting Height: 47"
• Maximum Stroke Length: 80"
• Drive Input: 1/2" hex axle at the bottom of the elevator
• Mounting Plates: 0.25" thick rigid plates with mounting provisions for common gearboxes (including REV Max Planetary, WCP PlanetaryX)
• Compatible Tubing: SWYFT Tube or any standard 2" x 1" aluminum tubing with holes. Supports 1/8", 1/16", and 0.035" wall thicknesses.

Customization

Nearly every aspect of the elevator can be tailored to your robot:

• Starting height
• Overall width
• Carriage height
• Tube wall thickness (mix thicknesses between stages if desired)
• Motor/gearbox mounting configuration

Kit Options

• Base Kit: Includes all hardware, screws, tools, bearing blocks, chain, rope, and assembly components (tubes, endcaps, axles not included).
• Base Kit + Tubes + Endcaps + Axles: Includes everything above plus your choice of 2" x 1" aluminum tubing, matching endcaps, and 1/2" hex axles.
  
  11x SWYFT Tubes
  12x SWYFT Tube Endcaps
  2x  SWYFT 1/2" Hex Axle 7075

For mixed wall thicknesses (e.g., thicker tubing on the base stage and thinner tubing higher up), purchase the tubing separately from the SWYFT Tube product page.

Build & Maintenance

Designed for easy assembly and field maintenance. The only external tools required are:

• Chop saw or band saw (for cutting tube and axles)
• Scissors (for cutting rope)
• Chain tool (for #25 chain)
• Blue thread locker
  
• Vise/Arbor Press for inserting pulley bearings

All allen keys, screws, and small hardware are included in the kit.

Compatibility

Works with SWYFT Tube and standard 2" x 1" FRC aluminum tubing. The modular design integrates cleanly with common FRC structure systems and allows flexible motor mounting and drive routing.

CAD/Drawing
Assembly Video
Onshape Configuration Coming Soon
Parts List