Hi, I know that you can use 3D-prints as nonfunctioning parts of the robot such as license plate holders and stuff, but I’m wondering if a 3d print that would cover more of the robot (similar to 1961Z has polycarbonate over their robot) would still be legal?
The 3D print would be backed by c-channel so it wouldn’t provide any additional structure
Lets look at the rules:
Decorations are allowed. Teams may add non-functional decorations, provided that they do not
affect Robot performance in any significant way or affect the outcome of the Match. These decorations
must be in the spirit of the competition. Inspectors will have final say in what is considered “non-functional”. Unless otherwise specified below, non-functional decorations are governed by all standard
Robot rules.
In order to be “non-functional,” any guards, decals, or other decorations must be backed by legal
materials that provide the same functionality. For example, if your Robot has a giant decal that prevents Balls from falling out of the Robot, the decal must be backed by VEX material that would also prevent the Balls from falling out.
a. Anodizing and painting of parts is considered a legal nonfunctional decoration.
b. If using the VEX speaker (276-1504), the chosen audio must not be distracting and must be in good taste. The Head Inspector and Head Referee will make the final decision on the appropriateness of the audio.
c. Small cameras are permitted as non-functional decorations, provided that any transmitting functions or wireless communications are disabled. Unusually large cameras being used as ballast are not permitted.
d. VEX electronics may not be used as non-functional decorations.
e. Decorations that visually mimic field elements or could otherwise interfere with an opponent’s
Vision Sensor are considered functional and are not permitted. This includes lights, such as the VEX
Flashlight. The Head Inspector and Head Referee will make the final decision on whether a given
decoration or mechanism violates this rule.
f. Internal power sources (e.g. for a small blinking light) are permitted, provided that no other rules are
violated and this source only provides power to the non-functional decoration (e.g. does not directly
or indirectly influence any functional portions of the Robot).
g. Decorations which provide feedback to the Robot (e.g. by influencing legal sensors) or to Drive Team Members (e.g. status indicators) would be considered “functional” and are not permitted.
Based on this, I would assume that it would be legal.
Keep this specific section in mind. I don’t exactly know what you mean with that team’s robot but you don’t want to be debating the definition of “functional” with a ref at a tournament. I’m guessing that you mean something like polycarbonate mounted around the sides of the robot and that could very well be considered functional. Even if it is backed by C-channel, does it extent past it? If so does it provide a function? If you think it doesn’t, then why do you want it at all? Do still think that constitutes non-functional?
And, most importantly, are you absolutely certain a ref would agree with you?
Another note, why not just make them out of polycarbonate? Vex allows you to do a lot with it so if you can get the material you might as well just avoid the problem entirely. Also polycarbonate is much cheaper from robosource.com rather than Vex.
functionally it would be the same as polycarbonate, just with cool designs and colors that I would only be able to get with 3d printing
decoration
In regards to decorational prints / polycarbonate, one thing I would make sure of is that it can be easily taken off in the event that a referee believes it serves a functional purpose. This reduces any time loss that might occur in an event and can also prove to the referee that it serves no functional purpose if the robot performs the same.
If it’s purely decoration and again, You’re absolutely certain a ref would agree with you then you should be in the clear.
This is also a really good idea.
yeah I agree with this, my decorations will be attached with zipties so it will be very simple to remove
Out of curiosity, what are you making? Do you have CAD screenshots?
I will dm you
Utilizing zipties can work fine, but we personally used 2-3 screws per plate that were attached with aluminum nuts for ease of removal. Doing so can ensure the decorational plates can be mounted securely and prevent it from getting in the way of more functional aspects of the robot. You can see what I’m talking about in the images below:
