Robot Parts and Materials - Answer Thread

[Sheldon]

Would rubber grommets count as a COTS part, or are they legal since they are made of cast rubber? Thanks for all the help!

A: Grommets come in all shapes, sizes, and types so it is difficult to issue a blanket declaration of legality. Please provide a specific part number and link to the catalog information.

[Sheldon]

Two (hopefully) quick questions to get the season started :-) .


Q. We're interested in using stand-offs other than the ones sold by Pitsco/Tetrix. Can we consider a threaded stand off to be really long nut and therefore legal under <R05.k>?

Q. We'd like to use crimp wire ferrules to protect and manage wire connections. We believe these are legal under <R08.q>. Can you confirm?


John Pflueger
Lead Mentor - Westlake FTC - 3781, 5628, 6504, 6710

A1: Yes, stand-offs are considered fasteners and are legal per rule <R05.k>
A2: Yes, crimp wire ferrules are legal per rule <R08.q>

[Sheldon]

We were thinking of taking a usual (metal) tape rule, such as this:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/203725256


taking it apart and using the rule itself - i.e, the steel blade -- as a raw material (discarding the case, winding mechanism, etc and cutting of the finished ends of the tape). Would this be allowed? after all, it is just a profiled strip of steel.


Thanks!
Team 4137

A: No, the steel rule in the tape measure is a COTS and is not a legal part.

[Sheldon]

Are gas springs allowed per <R05> j?

A: No, a gas spring is a pneumatic device and the only legal pneumatic devices are the Lego pneumatic components.

[Sheldon]

Hello,

We are wondering if it is allowed to safely create a vacuum inside a tank on our robot.

The manual only has information about LEGO pneumatics and that we are not allowed to modify them.

Thanks,
Team 5938

A: No, a vacuum tank is a pneumatic part and teams are not allowed to create their own pneumatic parts. Only the Lego pneumatic parts are allowed.

[Sheldon]

In correlation to our previous post, will these grommets work. Even thought they are COTS, they are made from cast rubber.

go to < http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=423504-37672-884631&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=4565079&catalogId=10051& cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1>



Thanks

a: The grommet described is considered a washer and is therefore legal per rule <R05.k>.

[Sheldon]

<RG03>c.: “The following types of mechanisms and components are not allowed: [...] Those that contain hazardous materials(e.g. mercury switches, or lead substrates).”

Does this mean that all solder used must be lead-free? Or is soldering an exception to this rule? (None of the circuitry we have was soldered with lead-free solder.)

A: FIRST does not prohibit the use of tin-lead solder but we highly recommend that teams use a lead-free solder where possible.

[Sheldon]

Now that we are allowed to use non-Tetrix 4" wheels, are we also allowed to use wheel hubs from other sources?
For example, are we allowed to use the following hub?

http://www.superdroidrobots.com/shop...heel-hub/1379/



Thank you.

A: No, wheel hubs are COTS and non-Tetrix hubs are not allowed.

[Sheldon]

FTC Forum,

Would this be an allowable raw material? http://www.rehabmart.com/product/pla...eets-1411.html



Could you have paper laminated at for example Staples? Could you use already laminated sheets? Could you use laminating pouches?

Thanks,
FTC 4999

A: Plastic laminating film is essentially tape and is permitted by Rule <R06.f>. Laminating this film onto paper, which is also legal, is allowed.

[Sheldon]

The rules this year allow for a <R05>a "linear slides". Last year manufactured drawer slides were specifically allowed. Will these drawer slides be permitted under the general "linear slide" rule? Thank you.

A: Yes, drawer slides are legal under the definition of linear slides.