Quote:
Originally Posted by Cory
I think you're misinterpreting the rule here. Raw materials can cost more than $400. You're basically saying we can't use more than $400 of say 1"x2" aluminum tubing, which is incorrect.
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Cory,
There are two relevant rules:
Quote:
<R51> The total cost of all non-Kit Of Parts items must not exceed $3,500.00 USD. No individual item shall have a value of over $400.00. The total cost of components purchased in bulk may exceed $400.00 USD as long as the cost of an individual component does not exceed $400.00. The following items are EXCLUDED from the total cost calculation:- The cost of any non-functional decorations
- The cost of individual fasteners, adhesives, or lubricants, unless any one component exceeds $1.00
- The costs of SPARE PARTS. A SPARE PART used as a direct replacement for a failed or defective ROBOT part (either Kit part or non-Kit part) that has already been included in the cost accounting is covered by the accounting for the original part
- All costs for the construction of the OPERATOR CONSOLE
Section 8.3.4.4....
The cost of items purchased in bulk or large quantities may be prorated on the basis of the smallest commonly available unit that satisfies the need for the item.Example: A team purchases a 4' x 4' sheet of aluminum, but only uses a piece 10” x 10” on their ROBOT. The team identifies a source that sells aluminum sheet in 1’ x1’ pieces.
The team may cost their part on the basis of a 1’ x 1’ piece, even though they cut the piece from a larger bulk purchase. They do not have to account for the entire 4’ x 4’ bulk purchase item.
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So first, if each individual component costs under $400 for something bought in bulk, then things are fine. Second, if the hypothetical team couldn't find aluminum smaller than 4' x 4', then they'd have to use the price of the entire 4' x 4' piece instead of the price of the 1' x 1' sheet.
Admittedly, I'm unsure how exactly you account for something like a 6' length of 1" titanium tube that'd usually cost you $600 when it's available in 1' lengths for $145. If all your parts are under 1' long, is your cost $600 or $870?
Still, I think it's pretty clear that if 1000 sq ft is the minimum size of your carbon fiber that Joe-Firster could ever find and it costs $500, then it's not a legal part. The whole rule is aimed at preventing teams from doing something like making a carbon fiber robot from exotic and nigh unobtainable weaves and resins donated by their sponsor. So to Ted, if your pre-preg is going to be significantly stronger, lighter, etc. than pre-preg Joe-Firster could buy, then I'd be uncomfortable using it under last year's rules. I'm not saying all CF was illegal under those rules, just any exotic extra strong fabrics or resins that, say, Team 57 couldn't also acquire. FIRST is definitely allowing many more exotic materials than 2000, but they're trying to keep the playing field level.