Re: Interpertation on Bumpers: Do the bumpers need to display the team numbers?
 

Its not aluminum foil. Its actually fairly rigid, and its significantly lighter than polycarb. We punch all the holes needed into this sheet, and ziptie most things (speed controllers especially) to it. Makes changing dead speed controllers a breeze, not having to deal with the tiny but long #6 screws. Cut two zip ties, and undo five wires.

We've been happy with it, but you're right, when the cRIO came out, we had to be a little careful with the shorting it to ground issue, and I think we DID use polycarb in 2010 IIRC.

Re: Interpertation on Bumpers: Do the bumpers need to display the team numbers?
 

We use light aluminum perf stock and mount most everything with wire ties. Makes changing stuff a snap.

Re: Interpertation on Bumpers: Do the bumpers need to display the team numbers?
 

Same here, thin aluminum perf. Bend the edges down and it is very sturdy.

Re: Interpertation on Bumpers: Do the bumpers need to display the team numbers?
 

May I suggest that you could turn the plexiglass into your own clipboard used for the strategy planning during the game?

-Josh

Re: Interpertation on Bumpers: Do the bumpers need to display the team numbers?
 

So far, so good. No failures yet, despite a few battle scars. The brand of the stuff is "Optix" by Plaskolite, Inc.

Re: Interpertation on Bumpers: Do the bumpers need to display the team numbers?
 

One test 1178 did in 2010 on Plexiglass (to see if we should use it to protect our bot from the balls) was to attach a piece to two chairs, and kick a ball at it (while everyone was far back and wearing safety glasses). The piece shattered on impact, telling us what not to use.