materials rules

[ahudson]

rookie team would like confirmation: Would expanded metal being used in the bottom of the frame be seen as a safety problem? It has sharp edges, but they have all been covered by caution tape so that no edges are exposed. It would make feel better if someone said this will pass the safety inspectors.

[Mike Betts]

I have seen expanded metal safely used before.

I can't comment on your covering of sharp edges. My gut feeling is that tape may be too thin of a guard against getting cut but I'd have to see it.

[Karibou]

Originally Posted by Mike Betts

I have seen expanded metal safely used before.

I can't comment on your covering of sharp edges. My gut feeling is that tape may be too thin of a guard against getting cut but I'd have to see it.

If it's just caution tape (like the non-sticky stuff?), it won't fly too well with the inspectors, but duct tape works quite well. We've actually had a few inspectors recommend it for sharp spots that we couldn't get to with a file. However, repeated pressure/force on the tape against the sharp metal will require you to use several layers, depending on the quality of the tape.

However, all inspectors and events are different. I'd suggest filing it down, if you can.

[ahudson]

I should have specified,the tape is a type of strong tape that I use in the computer lab for covering wires on the floor and such when needed. We happen to be out of duct tape and the kids thought that would look cool anyway to have the caution striped tape. Thanks for your thoughts.

[Karibou]

Originally Posted by ahudson

I should have specified,the tape is a type of strong tape that I use in the computer lab for covering wires on the floor and such when needed. We happen to be out of duct tape and the kids thought that would look cool anyway to have the caution striped tape. Thanks for your thoughts.

Like this stuff, maybe? It works pretty well, but covering corners is tricky.

[Jeff Pahl]

Originally Posted by Mike Betts

I have seen expanded metal safely used before.

I can't comment on your covering of sharp edges. My gut feeling is that tape may be too thin of a guard against getting cut but I'd have to see it.

I'm with Mike on this one - I've seen it used and have had no problem passing it before, but it really depends on the particular application. Without being able to actually run my hands over the edges of it, it's really impossible to say. There is nothing in the rules specifically that prohibits the expanded metal, but be prepared for the possibility of being asked to add more tape. My general criteria when asked to make those sorts of decisions is "would I rub my face on it?"

[ahudson]

Actually, I would say it is smooth as a baby's bottom http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/im...lies/yikes.gif

[EricH]

You mean like gaffer's tape? Should be OK, but you'll want to replace/repair it every few rounds or so.

Also note that you should have somebody go after the edges with a file to smooth them out before tape is applied--the sharp parts may be more likely to go through the tape.

My team used expanded aluminum in 2007 as the bottom section of a ramp for other robots. One event later, after both sides had ruts, we switched that to corrugated plastic for less permanent deformation.