What is T-slot Aluminum Profile：Its properties and use
A strong structural frame is critical to most construction projects. From stage frames to custom workbenches and equipment frames.T-slot aluminum framing is a material that offers high durability, versatility and reasonable cost. It can be used to frame many structures and projects.
Using other construction materials requires permanently attaching metal parts through welding, drilling and bolting. It will be cumbersome when you need to update or remove it, but T-slot aluminum framing has a modular design that gives project framing flexibility with its easy to install disassembly.
This framing material is undoubtedly excellent and you may not know much about it. Therefore, this article explores what T-slot aluminum is, how it is manufactured, and what situations you might want to consider using this unique building material in your project.
Table of content：
- What is T-slot aluminum
- Properties and Benefit of T-slot aluminum
- Application of T-slot frame
- Size of the T-slot aluminum
What is T-slot aluminum？
T-Slot Aluminum consists of extruded aluminum profiles with T-slots extending along the length of the profile. These slots allow T-nuts and other connectors to slide into place and provide customizable attachment points for various components. People get frames by assembling these T-slotted aluminum, and we commonly see stages, public events and workbench frames using it as the main material.
Therefore, T-slot aluminum framing is a framing system consisting of a length of square or rectangular extruded aluminum profiles (usually 6063-T5 and 6105-T5 aluminum alloys) with a T-slot in the centerline of one or more sides. And T-slot aluminum is a profile product obtained by aluminum extrusion.
Here is a short video of the aluminum extrusion process：
Properties and advantages of T-slot aluminum
High Strength:
T-slot aluminum is made of high-strength aluminum alloys, such as aluminum grades 6063-T5 and 6061-T6, etc. These alloys have high tensile and yield strengths, and are able to withstand large loads without being easily deformed.
High mass-to-strength ratio:
Compared to traditional steel or other metallic materials, aluminum alloy has a lower density. Therefore it has quite an excellent mass-to-strength ratio. Aluminum T-slot frames have a light weight and are easy to handle and install.
Excellent corrosion resistance
The surface of T-slot aluminum has a dense oxide film, which can effectively resist oxidation, corrosion and abrasion, and extend the service life of aluminum.
Even in harsh environments such as humidity and salt spray, it maintains good performance and is not easy to rust or corrode.
Flexible connection
The T-slot design of this aluminum profile is one of its core features, which allows users to easily connect the aluminum to form a variety of complex structures through bolts, nuts, connecting plates and other accessories.
Modular Assembly:
Due to the flexibility of the T-slot, it allows for modular assembly, allowing users to freely combine and adjust the structure according to actual needs, improving assembly efficiency and flexibility.
Eco-friendly and recyclable:
Aluminum is a recyclable material, T-slot aluminum structure will not produce harmful substances in the process of use, and can be recycled after disposal, in line with environmental requirements. Handling these materials does not produce air pollution or environmental damage, so as a building frame it is compliant with the Environmental Protection Acts of the European Union and the United States.
What are its common sizes?
T-Slot Aluminum is available in a wide range of sizes and styles, and there are even some styles that are customized to serve some unique projects. So let’s just go through some of the aluminum profile common sizes：
Common width： 20mm-60mm
T-slot size: 2”-8”
Common length: 30”-9’10”
Aluminum profile wall thickness: at least 0.65” (increase or decrease according to structural strength)
If you want to know more about the sizes of T-slot aluminum extrusions Please contact Hugh Aluminum——Professional aluminum extrusion manufacturer capable of designing and producing various types of T-slot aluminum profiles
Belows are the drawing of theT-slot aluminum extrusion from 20mm to 50mm size：
How to distinguish between different T-slot aluminum extrusion?
It also has several generic names, such as 2020 aluminum profile (this generally stands for a cross-section of 20×20 mm). Therefore it is also available in other sizes of T-slot aluminum, such as 4040 aluminum profile (T-slot aluminum with a cross-section of 40×40 mm). In addition to this, it is also categorized into European, American and Chinese standards. Therefore consumers should carefully choose according to their needs when choosing
- Aluminum profiles of the 10 series – cross-section size 10mm, e.g. 10x10mm
- Aluminum profiles of the 20 series – with a cross-section of 20mm, e.g. 20x20mm
- Aluminum profiles of the 30 series with a cross-section of 30 mm, e.g. 30×30 mm.
T-Slot Components：
Profiles: Available in a variety of sizes and shapes for design flexibility.
Fasteners: including T-nuts, screws and other connectors to ensure a strong connection.
Accessories: panels, casters and handles.
applications of T-slot aluminum extrusion
Industrial equipment frames:
In manufacturing, T-channel frames are used to build machine supports, machine frames, conveyor belts and safety guards. Its high strength and light weight make it the best choice for industrial materials.
Store Display Frames and Exhibition Stands:
The aesthetics and customizability of T-Slot frames make them a popular choice for retail displays and trade shows. It can be removed and set up again at any time if you want to replace it with new merchandise. This flexibility saves the store owner money.
staging and party solutions:
From music parties to holiday stages, we all need a platform to perform and hold recitals. These locations may be in grassy or muddy areas, and T-slot aluminum frames can be a great solution for stage support and framing. It can be modularly installed making it able to help bands set up their venues and can be recycled at the end of the day.
In conclusion
T-slot aluminum extrusions are one of the most common methods of manufacturing strong, versatile, lightweight, rugged and cost-effective frames and structures. Consider this aluminum extrusion as an option the next time you are designing an equipment frame or structure.
Hugh Aluminum offers a large selection of custom T-Slot extrusions. To learn more about our products and get good factory pricing, check out our T-Slot Aluminum Extrusions page!
