Hi guys,
I received my last order couple days ago and inside was a couple new mechanical and electronic parts the Makeblock team wanted me to test and write my comments in the forum. A separate review will appear in the next couple of days for the electronic parts. I will post a link in the comments to link from one to the other. Until I have enough free time to test all the parts that were provided, only two parts were reviewed so make sure to bookmark this post and come in the next days/weeks to see my progress with the remaining.
English is not my main language so please be indulgent 
. Be advised that not too much informations were given about the pieces and my knowledge of mechanics is limited.
135 degres angular connect plate
This is the part I was the most looking for to try as I had a specific use for it and I was lucky enough to get two to test. They remind me of Lego’s Technic Angular Beam 4X4 (#4128593):
There are 4 holes on each side and one in the middle, 9 total. I was able to fit them on pretty much every other Makeblock parts as they respect the 8mm spacing. I didn’t have a chance to try them with Legos but I guess they might be compatible as well.
They would be of good use for those looking to build loader-type robots or some kind of scoop wheel. In some particular use-case, they might do a better job than Discs depending on what you use them for.
As for me, I was able to make a bumper for my robot with them! I installed one on each end of a Beam0808-144 beam. The bumper is fixed to the structure using a cap screw in the middle of it. The screw is not tightened to fix the beam but loose enough to let the beam pivot whenever the robot hits an obstacle from either side. A Me-Ultrasonic Sensor prevents the robot from hitting something directly.
I’ve always had issues with my robots hitting obstacles from their edges and as most parts ends straight this could end up damaging furniture. These angular plates were perfect for my use-case as it allows a smoother edge in case something gets in it’s way.
Upon contact, the bumper will pivot to either side and be blocked by one of the Me Micro Switch. Once triggered, the robot can react accordingly.
I will surely get at least 2 more if they ever make it to the shop. They can be handy that’s for sure!
Stretched circle connect plate
This part has three 8mm holes (caster wheel size), two of which have 4mm holes distributed at a 45 degres increment in a flower shape for a total of 8 each. Four of those 4mm holes are threaded for M4 screws (2 on each pattern). I tested them with the cap screw and the Fully Threaded Rod without any problem.
The holes alignment on this part is not the same as the discs (which only has 6 holes) but it is still possible to align them in a way that two opposites holes fits on both parts. This seems to be a new pattern used on newer parts, I checked the shop at the time of writting and couldn’t find any other parts with the same flower shape. What I liked with that pattern is that is it fully compatible with 3x6 Plates or others, you can always match 4 holes gives more possibilities.
I’ve had quite a difficult time finding any particular use for this one. My day to day usage might not need such a piece but here are some examples:
It turns out this piece was exactly what I needed to fix my robot’s bumper. By attaching it at the right distance from the edge of a beam, I was able to “lock” a nut between the crack of the beam:
Side view without bumper:
Top view with bumper:
Bottom view with bumper:
If anyone find other uses for this one I’d like to hear what you find out!
