T-slot structural framing

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Examples of T-slotted profiles Extruded aluminium section x3.jpg
Examples of T-slotted profiles
1964 patent demonstrating early use of extruded T-slot members. T-SLOT 1964.png
1964 patent demonstrating early use of extruded T-slot members.
Cross-section of 80/20 T-slotted profiles, 10 and 15 series 8020-Fractional-Profiles-1.svg
Cross-section of 80/20 T-slotted profiles, 10 and 15 series
A bicycle trailer for bike-trekking with three Euroboxes and aluminium profile framing Bicycle-trailer-for-outdoor-trekking.jpg
A bicycle trailer for bike-trekking with three Euroboxes and aluminium profile framing

T-slot structural framing is a framing system consisting of lengths of square or rectangular extruded aluminium, typically 6105-T5 aluminium alloy, with a T-slot down the centerline of one or more sides.

Contents

It is also known under several generic names, such as aluminium extrusion, aluminium profile and 2020 extrusion if the cross-section is 20x20 mm, alongside brand names, such as 80/20 framing. [1]

While the precise history of the T-slot framing system is not known, advancement in extrusion press technology in the early 1950s allowed for economic production of aluminium profiles, [2] and examples of use can be found from the early 1960s. [3]

Although no published standard defines the system, it is produced in a series of conventional sizes which allows for compatibility between manufacturers.

There is a variation on T-slot profiles known as V-slot rails where V-slot wheels are slotted into the V-shaped channels of the framing for linear motion in a 3D printer or other CNC machine.

Profiles

T-slot framing is divided into metric and fractional (imperial) categories. The T-slot is always centered along the long-axis of the piece. Pieces are available in each series with a square cross-section. Rectangular cross sections are also available which measure x by 2x (where x is the defined width) - e.g. 40mm by 80mm for 40 series.

Profile
type
Profile
name
Profile
size
fractional10 series1"
15 series1.5"
metric20 series20 mm
25 series25 mm
30 series30 mm
40 series40 mm
45 series45 mm

See also

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References

  1. "Find out About Our Mission and Vision Here at 80/20". 8020.net. Archived from the original on 2022-03-06. Retrieved 2022-05-15.
  2. Bauser, M; Sauer, G; Siegert, K (2006). Extrusion (2 ed.). Materials Park, Ohio: ASM International. p. 6. ISBN   978-0-87170-837-3.
  3. USpatent US3143981A,Leslie E Tassell,"Demountable partition",published 1964-08-11,issued 1964-08-11, assigned to Tassell Hardware Co