Chapter 20: Pre-Match Checklist

A. Size Limit Check

VEX V5RC rules require that your robot's starting size must not exceed 18" x 18" x 18" (457.2mm x 457.2mm x 457.2mm). After the match starts, you can expand beyond this size, but during inspection you must fit within the limits.

Checking Dimensions in Onshape

Open Full Assembly
Select the Measure tool (ruler icon, or use the keyboard shortcut)
Measure the robot's length, width, and height
Make sure each direction does not exceed 18" (457.2mm)
Note: The expanded state can exceed 18", but the starting configuration must be within limits

Draw an 18" x 18" x 18" Reference Box

This is a practical checking technique:

Create an 18 x 18 x 18 inch box in a Part Studio
Insert it into the Full Assembly
Set the box to a different color + transparency (right-click part → Appearance) so you can see through it
Check that your robot fits completely inside the box
If any parts stick out, you need to adjust your design

Common oversizing issues: Wheels protruding beyond the drivetrain sides, wires/tubes not tucked in, mechanisms not fully folded in the "stowed" position. A reference box makes these problems obvious at a glance.

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Checkpoint 1: Does your robot fit within the 18" x 18" x 18" limit?

Use the Measure tool to check all three dimensions, or visually verify with a transparent reference box.

B. Bill of Materials (BOM)

What Is a BOM?

A BOM (Bill of Materials) is a parts list -- it lists every part's name, quantity, and source for your robot. Think of it like a recipe's ingredient list before cooking.

Generating a BOM in Onshape

Open Full Assembly
Click the top-right menu → Bill of Materials
Onshape will automatically list all parts and quantities
You can export it as a CSV or Excel file

Uses of a BOM

Shopping list -- Know what parts to buy and how many
Pre-match check -- Confirm no parts are missing
Budget presentation -- Show sponsors or school the material costs
Engineering notebook appendix -- A BOM is a bonus for judge reviews

Pro tip: Check the BOM for any parts with unusual quantities -- for example, whether the bolt count matches what you actually used in the design. If the numbers are way off, it might mean some parts weren't assembled or were inserted twice.

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Checkpoint 2: Have you generated a BOM and reviewed the parts list?

Generate a BOM from the Full Assembly. Browse through the parts list to confirm nothing is missing or abnormal.

C. Final Review Checklist

Before turning your CAD design into a physical robot, go through each item below. Check off every item before you consider it a pass.

Structural Check

☐ Are all parts properly mated? No floating parts?
☐ No part penetration / interference? (Check with section view)
☐ Are all bolts and nuts in place?
☐ Are shafts and bearings mated correctly? Can rotating parts spin?

Dimensions and Rules

☐ Starting size ≤ 18" x 18" x 18"?
☐ Number of motors used ≤ 8?
☐ Pneumatic components comply with rules? (if applicable)

Documentation and Presentation

☐ Created at least one Version snapshot?
☐ Have design iteration records? (Multiple Versions)
☐ Key parts have drawings? (Chapter 16)
☐ Sharing link ready for judges? (Chapter 17)
☐ BOM generated?

Team Collaboration

☐ Do all teammates have document access?
☐ Are important design decisions documented with comments?
☐ Are responsibilities clear? (Who owns which subsystem?)

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Checkpoint 3: Has your design passed all the checks?

Go through each item above. If anything hasn't passed, go back and fix it -- this is the final gate.

Congratulations! You've completed the core 20 chapters of the VEX Robot CAD Tutorial.

The upcoming equipment practice chapters (Chapters 21-23) will teach you how to turn your designs into real parts using a Snapmaker.

You now know how to:

Navigate and operate Onshape
Assemble a drivetrain using the VEX V5 parts library
Design custom parts (sketch → solid → assembly)
Collaborate with your team and manage versions
Prepare for manufacturing (3D printing, laser cutting, CNC)
Present and share your designs
Independently design and review a complete VEX robot

Next Steps

Turn your CAD design into a real robot -- Start building!
Use this chapter's checklist for final review before competitions
Keep improving -- The best robots are built through iteration

Good luck at your competition! 🏆