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Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz
As Peter stated, there are certain constraints that limit the materials. As a rule of thumb, exotic materials cannot be used. The test being are they available to everyone. If you make it will other teams be able to buy the same thing.
<R41> Additional Parts must be generally available from suppliers such that any other FIRST team, if it so
desires, may also obtain them at the same price. A specific device fabricated by a team from non-2006 Kit
materials does not have to be available to others; however, the materials it is made from must be available to
other teams.
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Other teams don't have to be able to buy something that you make - they only need to be able to obtain the same raw materials (as you noted later in <R41>).
As I am certain you know Al, the rules can change from year to year. While I would be very surprised to see any change in <R41>(quoted above), it is possible. That being said, please note that rule applies to purchased parts, not something custom fabricated by a team or team sponsor. Also, could you please cite any recent rule that prohibits "exotic" materials? I know hazardous materials are prohibited, but I don't recall any recent ruling on (or definition of) exotics.