Robotics Education & Competition Foundation
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Official Q&A: VRC 2018-2019: Turning Point

Usage Guidelines All Questions

125: <VUR3> and Metallurgy


CSUN1
23-Oct-2018

VUR3 states:

Teams are allowed to fabricate their own unique components from the following additional raw materials for each of their robots: a. An unlimited amount of non-shattering plastic from the following list: polycarbonate, acetal monopolymer (Delrin), acetal copolymer (Acetron GP), POM (acetal), ABS, PEEK, PET, HDPE, LDPE, Nylon (all grades), Polypropylene, FEP. b. An unlimited amount of composite materials, such as G10 (Garolite), FR-4, or carbon fiber. c. An unlimited number of plastic 3D printed parts. d. An unlimited amount of steel and aluminum.

The intent of <VUR3> to encourage teams to explore fabrication techniques like milling, 3D printing, injection molding, sheet metal punching, etc., to develop their own new robotic components in addition to the “standard” set of VEX components permitted by <VUR2>. To utilize these techniques, raw materials from the list provided in <VUR3> may be used. However, the intent of <VUR3> is not to legalize all commercially available items made from these materials. The only commercial components (other than pneumatic components) that may be used are those purchased from VEX Robotics, as specified in <VUR2>. For example, aluminum billet may be used to machine a custom bracket. However, purchasing a custom aluminum bracket is not within the spirit of this rule. Similarly, pre-drilled or extruded metal, such as angle aluminum, is not permitted, unless it can be found on www.vexrobotics.com.

Are VEXU teams allowed to perform the following meturgical processes:

  1. Hardening and tempering
  2. Hot and Cold Rolling
  3. Shot penning

Additionally, are VEXU teams allowed to buy pre-processed (ie prepenned) steel and aluminum stock for fabrication?

Answered by Game Design Committee

Yes, these are all legal.