[PhilBot]

I've read this entire thread, and I'm confused as to why people are saying that the rules imply that: "Once you turn some raw materials into a functional part, then it's Manufactured, therefore you can't use it on your robot".

That's dumb... The point is that you can't "Purchase" manufactured parts, not manufacture your own.

FIRST fully expects you to take the raw materialis that you purchase, modify/process/machine them into a userful part, and then use it on your robot. That's the whole point of the exercise. To imply otherwise is the height of silliness...

The real question boils down to whether FIRST considers the roll of ABS plastic (or otherwise) that a rapid prototyping machine uses as a "Raw" enough material or not.

One man's processed material is another man's raw material.

The company that makes solid bar stock uses metal ingots as it's raw material.
The company that makes gear rod uses bar stock as their raw material.
The company that makes motor gears, uses gear rod as their raw material.

FIRST says we can use bar stock, but not gear rod.
It's all just a matter of where you want to put the line in the sand.

I for one hope they allow rapid prototyping machines.

It's learning how to use CAD to design parts that is the payoff in being able to use them. Having the part itself is just a bonus.

If you don't have access to one, find somone who does.

Phil.