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T-slot structural framing

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Framing system made of extruded aluminum
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Examples of T-slotted profiles
1964 patent demonstrating early use of extruded T-slot members.
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

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.

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.

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, and examples of use can be found from the early 1960s.

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
fractional 10 series 1"
15 series 1.5"
metric 20 series 20 mm
25 series 25 mm
30 series 30 mm
40 series 40 mm
45 series 45 mm
  • CAD model of a rotating T-slot nut used with aluminium T-slots/ T-track/ extrusions CAD model of a rotating T-slot nut used with aluminium T-slots/ T-track/ extrusions
  • T-nut (red) installed in a T-slot T-nut (red) installed in a T-slot

See also

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. US patent US3143981A, Leslie E Tassell, "Demountable partition", published 1964-08-11, issued 1964-08-11, assigned to Tassell Hardware Co 
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