Why is Aluminium T-slot Profiles manufacturer Better?

A solid and sturdy structural frame is essential for many engineering projects, from 3D printer frames and translation axes to custom workbenches and machinery enclosures. T-slot aluminum is a material that offers high durability, maximum versatility, and a reasonable cost for custom structures and frames like these.

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Creating these custom structures from other building materials can introduce compatibility issues. It can increase labor time, add costs, and possibly limit flexibility by requiring the permanent joining of the metal components through welding, drilling, and bolting.

This article explores what T-slot framing is and when you might want to consider this unique building material for your next project.

What is T-Slot Framing?

T-slots are an unofficial standard for framing systems that consist of square or rectangular extruded aluminum lengths. They have a ‘T’ shaped slot along at least one of their sides.

These slots allow you to connect a wide range of hardware to the extrusion and adjust it as needed. They allow for an unprecedented level of customization and versatility for the designs and applications you can create.

These profiles can have no slots, a single slot, or multiple slots on each side. The size of the cross-section is also available in a variety of sizes.

You can easily set up frames and structures made from T-slots by joining the profiles with connectors, eliminating the need to weld components to get a robust construction.

While there is no single unified standard for the manufacturing of these extrusions, there are some guidelines on the most popular profile sizes and slot shapes. It is easy to identify which components and profiles are compatible.

What are the Most Common Applications of T-Slot Framing?

The most significant benefit of T-slot profiles is their high versatility and adaptability. It makes their applications remarkably varied and customizable. You’ll find them in manufacturing facilities everywhere.

T-slot frames also allow for rapid assembly and disassembly, making them easy to move or change as needed. You can erect temporary or permanent custom safety enclosures and guard systems, then move or adjust them around machinery to protect workers from dangerous moving parts. You can outfit them with doors to provide limited access as needed.

In addition to static frames, you can use T-slots to make linear slide systems that take advantage of precisely controlled movement by small carriages along a rail. The slotted sides on the profiles, light frame weight, and impressive strength make them a perfect building block for linear slide systems.

To demonstrate the flexibility of T-slot aluminum, the following is a limited list of some example applications for these extrusions:

• Machine bases and frames
• Equipment safety enclosures and guard systems
• Workstations, test stations, and tables
• Materials handling systems
• Portable gantry systems
• Office and workshop furniture, like desks, cabinets, and storage units

Thanks to aluminum’s inherent durability and corrosion resistance, these extrusions are also helpful in many environments. They can remain rust-free and visually attractive for years of service.

Are Frames Made With T-Slots strong?

We can look at this question from two points of view.

#1 Sturdiness of the Structure

Some people might wonder if these structures will come apart at the joints, especially when exposed to the vibrational forces surrounding heavy equipment or the stress of supporting heavy loads. After all, the profiles are not joined together by welding or gluing.

In practice, the connectors joining T-slot extrusions and hardware create solid and stable joints. However, we must point out that the configuration of the frame will be crucial in the structural soundness of the design. As such, you need to take caution when designing and assembling the structure to ensure it can withstand the forces affecting it.

#2 Withstanding Heavy Loads

The second approach to the question of strength would be to determine if the T-slot profiles can withstand heavy loads and heavy-duty use.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Aluminium T-slot Profiles manufacturer. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

The final strength ultimately depends on the alloy used to make the T-slot profiles and their specific profile shape. The most common aluminum alloys extruded for this purpose are 6060-T6 and 6105, both of which offer a moderate-to-high tensile strength. The strength of these aluminum alloys is usually more than enough for typical applications.

Conclusion

T-slots are one of the most common methods for creating frames and structures that are strong, versatile, lightweight, sturdy, and cost-effective. Consider aluminum T-slot extrusions as an option the next time you design an equipment frame or structure.

Gabrian International offers custom T-slot extrusions in high quantities. To learn more about our offerings and get support for your next T-slot project, check out our T-slot Aluminum Extrusions page.

Posted on 2/12/2019

Building superior equipment requires quality parts that fit together well and work reliably. At mk North America we’re committed to designing modular solutions that can be customized to fit even the most unique requirements.

Our aluminum framing / t-slot aluminum extrusions make it possible to construct just about anything our customers can imagine. That’s the advantage to working with a reliable and material that’s designed for flexibility such as extruded aluminum.

What are aluminum extrusions

Extrusion is a process used to, “push or pull material through a cast or die of a specific cross-sectional pattern to create a uniform profile.”

Since aluminum is a strong, recyclable and when anodized can keep rust at bay, it’s perfect for use when building structures, equipment, frames or anything else that is required to be sturdy and reliable.

With t-slot profiles, there is a “t” shaped track of negative space that allows pieces to interlock and secure in place without the need to weld or attach joints using other methods. Once in place, fasteners, nuts, locks and other items are then used to keep the pieces together to form your modular build.

Top 5 Benefits

Here are the top 5 reasons to choose t-slot extruded aluminum from mk for your project.

1.      Flexible Design

The great thing about t slot extruded aluminum is that it’s modular so you can easily add to a profile, remove what’s no longer needed or even re-position workstation set-ups easily. That reduces the need to buy new set-ups when changes take place and saves investment dollars for other areas of the business. This flexibility is a leading reason so many manufacturers are choosing it as a build option over welded steel. The ability to quickly react to changing business needs is critical in today’s demanding, fast paced market.

2.      Cost / Labor Savings

Since the frames can easily be added to or changed and components are reusable, cost savings can be realized. From material costs to time saved compared to building steel welded solutions, the savings in costs and efficiency provided to employees at these stations is great.

3.      Strong, Reliable Structure

Extruded aluminum is a very strong material and in manufacturing industry applications is capable of handling high load applications. Think: machine bases and frames, conveyors, cutting tables, pick and place units.

4.      F

ast, Precise Assembly

Precision is important and with the combination of t slots and extruded aluminum, a secure fit is attainable. Not to mention the fact that even employees can easily assemble structures onsite since there are no complicated pieces or configurations.

5.      Lightweight, Appealing

A machine that works well should also look good in the workplace. Aluminum is shiny, appealing to the eye and will look good while providing a strong, reliable solution for your guarding and other project needs.

T-Slot Aluminum Extrusions from mk North America

mk North America offers over 200 different profile shapes and more than 2,700 connectors and system components made from t-slot extruded aluminum.

The following 4 offerings are designed to meet different application requirements from light duty to the strongest on the market.

• Profile Series 25
  A small Profile Series for applications requiring lighter-duty frames and fixtures.  6 mm wide T-slots using M5 hardware.
• Profile Series 40
  The most flexible and versatile framing system available offering a selection of profiles, connectors and system components.  10mm wide T-slots using M8 hardware.
• Profile Series 50
  Best for heavy-duty machine framing. Includes the features and flexibility that aluminum framing systems offer without compromising strength.  10mm wide T-slots using M8 hardware.
• Profile Series 60
  For the most demanding framing applications. 14mm wide T-slots using M12 hardware. 

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