Using other pneumatic tubing

[Crtcalmss]

I cannot find anywhere in the robot rules, pneumatics manual, or the hints documents, a line that says we MUST use the tubing provided. They do make a point of specifying other items, but not the tubing. I'm not even sure if it's implied.

From an engineering standpoint, I understand the safety aspects of why they want the specific air tanks, safety valve, gauges, regulators, and cylinders. Having a higher diameter tubing to decrease air delivery time (not for more storage) would make sense from a system control standpoint.

I was wondering what the forum thought of using 3/8 OD pneumatic tubing instead of the 1/8 tubing supplied. I have a spool of the stuff available, it is COTS, and has a higher air handling capacity than the 1/8" provided.

I suppose my specific question is: Can we use 3/8" OD pneumatic tubing (COTS) along with associated 3/8" fittings from the McMaster Carr catalog so long as they interface properly with the Clippard air tanks, the FIRST supplied compressors, regulators, and the Bimba cylinders?

Looking forward to some opinions or enlightenment.

Regards,
Steve Rugoletti
srugoletti@timberlanehs.com
Timberlane High School, Team 350 Plaistow, NH