Would it be legal to use a rubber band made by cutting 2 of #64 rubber bands and melting the ends together?
Making 2 3-1/2in1/4 into a single 7in1/4
For legality, look at the game manual: VRC Over Under Game Manual - VEX Robotics specifically, read rule R15.
Why not just use latex tubing: Latex Tubing (10') - VEX Robotics
This would not be legal as the use of heat would be required, which is outlawed by
Welding, soldering, brazing, gluing, or attaching parts to each other in any way that is not
provided within the VEX platform is not permitted.
I would recomend a quick read of the manual, found here.
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If you wish a definitive answer, ask the Official Q&A.
My gut is that it fits R15
- Welding, soldering, brazing, gluing, or attaching parts to each other in any way that is not provided within the VEX platform is not permitted.
You wouldn’t be allowed to melt them together, however you would be allowed to tie them together.
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What would the ruling be on the deformation of the rubber bands to achieve the same result by using some sort of compression from a vise?
In the rule Welding, soldering, brazing, gluing, or attaching parts to each other in any way that is not provided within the VEX platform is not permitted. Welding, soldering, and brazing are all forms to do with metal, gluing isn’t happening.
What is the desired application of such long rubber band?
In most cases simply joining them together with a knot should suffice.
But if you insist on a single continuous loop at the expence of the strength, you can get fancy with cutting a band longitudinally.
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There is also an alternate solution, similar to tying them:
(Not my photo)
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It is illegal, read the details of R15. Here is proof
- Metallurgical modifications that change fundamental material properties, such as heat treating or melting, are not permitted. 1. Welding, soldering, brazing, gluing, or attaching parts to each other in any way that is not provided within the VEX platform is not permitted.
I agree that it is illegal, however I don’t think R15b is applicable and not the main one against it. I interpret it as pertaining strictly to metal parts, but I would like to see if others agree with this interpretation.
If it matters, they ask the official Q&A - others interpretation is not really as important than the GDC’s.
This is a picture of one of my current rubber bands, the reason behind my question was to quickly replicate, this is a #64 rubber band left stretched over a shelf for 6 months
I would say use it, but have an alternative ready. Then just ask refs/judges
Why not use a guaranteed legal 117B that is already 7”?
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At the moment I don’t know if I have access to #117 rubber bands, and I have had issues with thinner rubber bands snapping on structural components.
You can try tying them together. It works, but it could break if you don’t do it properly.
Or you can just buy some larger ones that are VEX legal
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