[PhilBot]

I wonder what the ruling will be for using a Rapid Protyping machine (3D Printer) to fabricate parts. After all, the raw materials for our 3D printer is a spool of 1/16th diameter ABS "rod".

As to whether allowing machining and Rapid Prototyping would be a bad thing... We've built some VERY sophisticated metal robots just using drill press, jig saw and disk sander. Would a team that has access to more sophisticated tools automatially build a better robot than us? I think not.

Since the requirement is for these team's students to learn how to effectivly use these tools, and use CAD to design, I don't see how it's an automatic slam dunk. There is a lot of extra work required to use these tools effectivly. That learning is a VERY good thing.

Phil.