[George C]

We had great success with some new (to us) products last year:

Garolite sheet available from McMaster Carr. We used it for paddles on our gripper. Easy to work with, very strong and a lot cheaper than carbon fibre

Constant force springs available from McMaster Carr. Helped counterbalance our 3-stage elevator

Igus linear slides available from Igus. Used in our 3 stage elevator and our mini-bot deployment system.

I echo the comment on step drills, plastic air tanks and UHMW plastic spool and cam-type chain tensioners.

Surgical tube is wonderful stuff. Many strengths at McMaster Carr and elsewhere