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Unread 04-05-2016, 21:57
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Chief Engineer
AKA: Milton Martinez
FRC #4680 (Az-Tech Eagles)
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Join Date: Mar 2016
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Re: Waterjet vs. Manual Build Process?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Xifilzer View Post
Our team just recently completed our 3rd FRC

The reason this debate exists is because we believe that waterjetting will give us more precise parts which will help us build a better robot, which means more awards, winning, which enables our team to get more money, have a better reputation, etc. But on the other hand we want to keep our current method because it allows kids to get close and personal with tools and encounter problems and learn really deep and intricate concepts when it comes to why mechanisms work, forces, etc that simply cannot be taught via simply assembling a robot. We also believe that our current method is more fun, even though the final product may not be something similar to the high quality of a NASA team.
The fact you are having this debate within the team is wonderful. What I expect you will find if you go with more waterjet parts is that you will find something else to have fun, teach kids on. Your robot isn't going to be just flat pieces of metal. it has to come together. You'll need to tap many holes, or riveting, you'll end up bending metal too. You will not run out of fun things to do and new things to learn. Either way good luck!


I'm sure CD will be filled with comments on awards / NASA teams etc. etc. just focus on what your kids want to learn, what they will have fun with.
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