Hello, our team was looking into building an X-Drive for this years game and we came across different lexan gussets that teams have used in the past. We were just wondering is there any big difference between those custom lexan gussets and the normal metal gussets that VEX sells on their website?
Lexan gussets are cooler, cleaner, and harder to make. Metal gussets are easier to work with and get the job done. Up to you.
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Lexan gussets are usually used because of the modularity. You can cut them in way that allows you to mount durable supports. Also I noticed using bars using standard gussets arent lined up to the hole perfectly, doesn’t seem to have a very noticable impact on efficiency though, but lexan gussets can be cut so the bar holes are perfectly lined up.
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In my experience, the fundamental benefit of using custom polycarbonate brackets is to make the drivetrain spacing even on all parts as @Colin2114R mentioned. I have used polycarbonate brackets on several X drive chassis in the past and they were enormously beneficial. Without custom brackets, if you want an even 1/2" spacing between the left and right sides of your robot, you can’t easily connect the back of the robot symmetrically. Making the brackets requires only basic CAD skills that will benefit you throughout Vex and could be beneficial in your career.
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