Injection Molding Our Own Replacement Parts

[mapy5542]

So sourcing parts has been quite the challenge this year. We need the high strength shaft ball bearings for a high speed flywheel, but they are so out of stock that we cannot even backorder them.
I saw in another thread that replacement parts are allowed if they are identical, but that 3d printing parts doesn’t count. We can source the ball bearings on amazon, but can we make our own flanges to hold them?
If we injection mold them to the exact dimension and use the same material, does that then count as identical? I can 3d print an injection mold, and have access to a molding machine.

Here’s the part I’m referring to: High Strength Shaft Ball Bearing (11-Pack) - VEX Robotics

[lacsap]

No this would not be legal.

[Hudsonville_Robotics]

@mapy5542

I saw in another thread that replacement parts are allowed if they are identical

There are specific rules on parts in the game manual.
https://content.vexrobotics.com/docs/2022-2023/vrc-spin-up/VRC-SpinUp-GameManual2.3.pdf

Take a look at the following sections:

<R6> Robots are built from the VEX V5 system. Robots may be built ONLY using official VEX V5 components, unless otherwise specifically noted within these rules

<R7> Certain non-VEX components are allowed.

[Mentor_355U]

Is this for VRC or VEXU? I would recommend referencing the rules directly about questions about parts legality rather than a post on the forum.

[turbodog]

Workaround 1:

Take an aluminum/steel plate that’s 1/2-3/4" larger than the bearing. Or as large as you desire.

Cut a PRECISE hole it in the diameter of the bearing (not counting the flange obviously). Make sure to center the hole on the center of one of the square screw holes.

Lay the new piece over the bearing.

Fasten into place using the other screw holes.

Workaround 2:

Take something that can be mounted/screwed to the bot like a 60 tooth gear.

Put it in a lathe and cut a center hole the bearing can fit into.

If you do either of these… put some pics back in here…