[Al Skierkiewicz]

Everyone,
The heat comes primarily from the compression of gases. With the smaller compressors, there is less thermal mass to sink the heat produced. Even the old Thomas compressor would get hot after a while. In the case of the newest Viair compressor being discussed, the manufacturer requires the use of the supplied stainless steel reinforced hose and supplies it with the compressor. That part is what the Q&A supports. Some teams did try using metal tubing on their robot this year. Until further notice and/or change of rules, copper tubing remains an illegal pneumatic part. There is no way for teams or inspectors to know that the copper is rated for 125 psi or that it is even rated for gas pressures above 10 psi.