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Official Q&A: VRC 2022-2023: Spin Up

Usage Guidelines All Questions

<R12a>, <R7b> Hardcoat/PTFE Anodizing


GOTEM
6-Jun-2022

R12a states that "Anodizing and painting of parts is considered a legal nonfunctional decoration." R7b states that "Any non-aerosol-based grease or lubricating compound, when used in extreme moderation on surfaces and locations that do NOT contact the playing field walls, foam field surface, Discs, or other Robots."

This webpage describes a process known as Hardcoat/PTFE Anodizing, in which aluminum is anodized with a thin PTFE film on top. PTFE is a low-friction material frequently used as a lubricant, and this process gives the surface of the aluminum a lower coefficient of friction.

Although this adds a function to anodizing, removing its nonfunctional decoration status, given that lubrication is legal, would this process be legal... a) when used in locations that do not contact the field walls, field surface, discs, or other robots? b) when used in locations that do contact the field walls, field surface, discs, or other robots, given that it is a durable coating which does not rub off on other objects?

If this is not legal in VRC, would it be legal in VEXU (either cases a or b)?

Thank you.

Answered by committee

The PTFE / Teflon anodizing process described in this question would be considered a non-aerosol-based lubricant, and would therefore fall under R7b. Therefore, it would be legal when used on surfaces and locations that do not contact the playing field walls, foam field surface, Discs, or other Robots.