Mini-bot Hinges
 

Are the mini-bots allowed to use hinges like door hinges, etc. to use as doors that close up around the pole?

Re: Mini-bot Hinges
 

Not if they aren't in <R92>, and I don't see "hinges" in there.

However, using aluminum, hardware, and maybe some surgical tubing or something, I'm sure you could rig up some form of hinge substitute.

Re: Mini-bot Hinges
 

Are you allowed to mill them out of aluminum since the rules allow the use of sheet aluminum?

Re: Mini-bot Hinges
 

I don't see why not.

Re: Mini-bot Hinges
 

As you mentioned, <R92> part S allows "Mechanical hardware (i.e. screws, bolts, etc). Pending clarification in the Q&A, I wouldn't completely rule out hinges as hardware. The hardware store calls them hardware, and you find them stocked pretty close to the screws and bolts.
See this thread for more discussion.

Re: Mini-bot Hinges
 

But being close is not being equal. 5 is close to 4...

The specific examples in the rule tend to point towards fasteners, not springs and hinges (motion parts, we could call them).

Re: Mini-bot Hinges
 

yea i dont see why not either, Don. btw, i might want to use some kind of hinge in the prototype ive been working on, so hopefully i can get that going. i may need some help though

Re: Mini-bot Hinges
 

As long as it's made out of allowable parts, then yes.

Check out McMaster part #1635A24. It's a 100% polycarbonate hinge, and thus should be legal.

Re: Mini-bot Hinges
 

Update#3 seems to rule out hinges on the minibot. you could make one, but purchasing a pre-made hinge, regardless of material, seems to be out. right?

Re: Mini-bot Hinges
 

well, if it is listed in the parts you are allowed to use, then you can, but if it is not, then just forget it, my team thought of arms that used pulleys and surgical tubing to clamp it shut

Re: Mini-bot Hinges
 

Update #3 still doesn't rule out the polycarbonate hinge. I'd Q&A that one if I were you.

Re: Mini-bot Hinges
 

What of Team Update 3 makes purchasing premade parts illegal?

Re: Mini-bot Hinges
 

A couple of the posters here and I seem to have the same opinion. You should be able to only MAKE hinges. Buying them is against the rules.

Re: Mini-bot Hinges
 

If they aren't Tetrix, and they aren't specifically listed (which the parts in question--hinges--are not), then you either have to make your own or go without. Team Update 3 removed all ambiguity on the "hardware" point by changing "hardware" to "fasteners".

Re: Mini-bot Hinges
 

But the hinges are made exclusively of materials found on the list of allowed parts. Why is it suddenly required that you hand make them if they are literally just shaped versions of what is allowed?