pic: Team 870 Suction Cups

Originally posted by sevisehda
Suction cups will work good for the first few practice matches and maybe some into the qualifying but by the time finals hit that HDPE will look like a scratching post covered in dust, dirst, and oil. Everyones pro-suction point is saying they can withstand exert a huge force on a glass-smooth surface, chances are the HDPE will be more like a rough concrete. If teams still want to go with suction cups it seems logical to go with 20 small ones instead of 1 or 2 large ones to minimize the risk of trying to lock onto an area with a scratch.

From official FIRST forums:

FIRST expects the HDPE surface to become marked and soiled. The platform will be cleaned occasionally. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the amount of soiling and the time schedule of the matches. There is no guarantee that the platform surface will be clean for every match.

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Also found this

We will try our best to maintain the condition of the HDPE. There is no schedule for replacement. There is no means for repair. We can keep it somewhat clean. Expect wear and tear. Do not expect a perfect surface for suction cup attachment. There is a seam in the HDPE at mid-platform. Because of the time required to change the HDPE, its condition will be evaluated at mid-day breaks. Spare HDPE sheets will be on site at each competition. The HDPE can be flipped to gain a new surface. We will not be able to determine the the amount of wear and tear that the HDPE will receive until we experience its use in the first week of competition. Do not expect perfect conditions for each match.