pic: Bumper slices

[IKE]

Has anyone found a fast dry, easy and cheap to apply numbering method? I bought a bunch of fabric paint pens, but frankly, they do not work very well. While they do meet the "legal" interpretation of white outlined numbers, they are usually quite faint and barely legible.

Does anyone else have an inexpensive and fast method for bumper numbers?

Also, I usually only get 1 robot each year with a "cross section" issue. Usually it is using a 0.5" board or plywood instead of the 3/4".

Numbers, bumper height, and perimeter compliances (8" inimum or angle of wrap or...) tend to be the bigger issues I have seen.

[DELurker]

Originally Posted by IKE

Has anyone found a fast dry, easy and cheap to apply numbering method? I bought a bunch of fabric paint pens, but frankly, they do not work very well. While they do meet the "legal" interpretation of white outlined numbers, they are usually quite faint and barely legible.

Does anyone else have an inexpensive and fast method for bumper numbers?

We used the iron-on numbers from the sample in the KOP last year. They were quick, easy, and looked really good. After 2 District Events, 1 District Championship, and 2 off-season events, none of the numbers have failed fully ... although a few edges have pulled up.

[mom-bot]

Graphics staying on dry method:
This is not quite as fast, BUT they stay on and look great
Utilize or draft a NEMO that has sewing experience, a mentor's spouse or a student with sewing experience. It is even better if they understand basic upholstery construction such as used on furniture. If they are not comfortable sewing the first time on the actual bumper material initally, have them use a piece of inexpensive cotton blend for a mock up to use the cotton as the pattern for the "good stuff."

The iron on's are great, but if they can do a simple zig-zag stitch around the outside of the iron on they never come off. We typically sew ours on - sometimes the day of bagging - but they always turn out.
We have done this since bumpers were instituted and have had no issues with the graphics or the material.

The attachment to the frame is a different story. Due to the configuration of the 'bot changing from year to year it is difficult to have a consistent method for application. The best way I have seen in my six years with the team is we had bolts through the frame, head down and the bolt length sticking up. We then used a drilled bracket attached to the bumper plywood side. The bumper dropped down over the frame mounted bolts and wing nuts were used secure the bumpers. I will see if I can find a photo or a sketch and post it later. It was by far the best we have had so far.