Design of Large Vending Machines

[MadMango]

I need to design a vending machine for my next project, and I am unsure of their common construction. Current footprint is 7' wide x 3' deep x 7' tall. I believe most opened vending machines I have seen (snack and canned goods) are of sheet metal construction. Is this common? Is a metal tube-frame construction skinned in sheet metal also done? I can't find anything of value searching online.

It seems to me that sheet metal offers more advantages (self locating features, custom profiles, use of self-clinching hardware) over tube construction.

"Art without engineering is dreaming; Engineering without art is calculating."

Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of these Forums?

 

[btrueblood]

Never seen one with any type of internal frame, beyond sheet metal bulkheads and brackets. Certainly not a welded tube frame.

 

[drawoh]

MadMango,

Try watching an episode of American Restoration. They seem to repair a lot of old vending machines.

--
JHG

 

[ctopher]

Contact some companies that make them and ask for a visit. Make up a reason for the visit, check out how they do it.
A quick Google search came up with some.
Link
Link

Chris, CSWA
SolidWorks 14
SolidWorks Legion