Pocketing (lightening)

FRC robots generally have a maximum weight limit, and the lighter the components are, the better robots perform. That is because, mechanisms that are light are easier to manipulate with motors, pistons, etc. and are able to operate faster and more consistently. One way to reduce the weight of mechanisms, whilst retaining strength, is to use pocketing or lightening. This process removes excess material from a part in a fashion that does not compromise the durability of the mechanism, but reduces the weight. Pocketing is usually done with Aluminum Plates and 2x1s, because other materials such as Polycarbonate are already extremely light and tend to become fragile with pocketing.

Pocketing can be done in 2 distinct fashions, a free-form style useful for parts that do not have regular shapes such as gearbox plates, and a strict X pattern style that is useful for parts with regular shapes such as bellypans, side covers, etc. The video below covers the free-form style of pocketing.

The video below will cover pocketing with the X pattern, useful for regular shapes.