If you have a project you're working on that requires the use of T-slot aluminum framing and you are entirely unfamiliar with the medium, then you might find yourself feeling frustrated with approaching it. However, you'll soon find that using aluminum extrusions opens up a world of possibilities as countless industries utilize it, from automotive to automated to pharmaceutical.
In fact, these tools are cost-effective, sturdy, and have a great strength-to-weight ratio. You likely are ready to start your project as soon as possible, which is why we have created this beginner's guide; here is everything you need to know about building with T-slot aluminum framing.
It's important to know the origins of the creation of the material you plan to work with. That's why you might find yourself asking the question, "What is T-slot framing, and how is it made?†To easily understand T-slot framing, we'll take it back to childhood. You might remember playing with Play-Doh as a kid, during which you also utilized a number of tools to make shapes and molds. There was likely a tool that pushed the Play-Doh through a cylindrical mechanism to create a unique tubular shape.
The above example is a simplified version of how countless industries make T-slot aluminum framing. Aluminum is quite malleable, which makes it very easy to manipulate into a variety of shapes. The aluminum used to make T-slot framing goes through a heating process to increase its malleability. Then the heated aluminum will push through custom molds, resulting in a variety of complex shapes.
There are many benefits to using T-slot aluminum framing, otherwise known as aluminum extrusion. At its inception, T-slot framing was quite unknown aside from its use in the industrial spheres. However, T-slot aluminum framing has since exploded into several other industries. That's because it's incredibly useful, durable, and cost-effective. You can create a wide variety of shapes, making it quite modifiable.
Moreover, aluminum is incredibly resistant to corrosion which allows for multi-faceted use in a number of environments and changing climates. When you work with T-slots, you'll also find yourself relieved at how simplistic the assembly process is. The pieces work a lot like puzzle pieces that connect together seamlessly; all you need are your basic hand tools to secure and tighten the connectors, no welding required. Finally, you can't deny that aluminum is an aesthetically pleasing metal that gives off a clean and modern look many people appreciate.
Aluminum also has a high strength-to-weight ratio, which refers to the amount of time a material can hold its weight when supported only at the top and secured vertically. When you also consider the fact that aluminum is quite a lightweight metal, you can understand why it's incredibly popular in the automotive industry. However, that's not the only industry this amazing material benefits, as you'll also find it utilized in boats, roof rails, engine blocks, roof racks, transmission housings, and 3D printers.
Now you know a little about T-slot aluminum framing, why it's beneficial, and the varied industries that utilize this handy building component. It's quite easy to use aluminum framing, so you might be wondering how to build with it. The best part is that any beginner can build with T-slot aluminum framing, so you'll appreciate our guide's usefulness and simplicity. The thing with aluminum extrusions is that building with them is pretty universal and doesn't change too much, no matter what you're attempting to create.
No matter the type of project you have, the most important component of working with extrusions has to do with affixing them together. Thankfully it's quite simplistic to connect them together. You will need to purchase aluminum extrusion connectors to get the job done. Before you get your connectors, it's important to know that there are a variety of connectors available. That's why you must choose the correct style.
At A-Line Corporation, we have every type of connector style you'd need for your aluminum extrusions. We have gussets, specialty connectors, cube connectors, and much more to make your project as seamless as possible. That's not all; we also have the highest quality T-slot aluminum framing guaranteed to be compatible with Bosch aluminum extrusion profiles. When you choose us as your supplier, you can trust that we will provide you with supplies that meet and even exceed industry standards every single time.
Once you have the best connector for your T-slots, assembly is quite simple. As we mentioned earlier, there are a variety of connectors available on the market today. That's why it can feel overwhelming trying to find the best connector, but we are here to help. In fact, you can give us a call if you have further questions. But in the meantime, we will go over the most common connectors you can use.
Cube connectors are optimal when connecting up to three T-Spot extrusion profiles at a 90-degree angle. The benefit of these connectors is that you can connect multiple extrusions together.
If you want to reinforce the corners of your aluminum extrusions, then gussets are the perfect connector to use. Many appreciate gusset for its main benefit, which is the ability to affix two extrusions together at a 90-degree angle, with no extra machinery required.
It's understandable that you might feel worried about the gussets' ability to stay in place and hold the T-slots together. Aluminum gussets actually have an alignment tab to keep that from happening. At A-Line Corporation, we have gussets available in a variety of dimensions that will suit any of your needs, no matter what type of project you're working on.
We also understand that sometimes, your project will be so unique you'll require specialty connectors to suit your needs. That's why we also provide specialty connectors for your niche project. We have the PVS direct connector and the PVS screw safe. Our direct connectors require nothing more than an Allen wrench, so you don't even have to worry about additional machining. Moreover, our PVS screw safe is perfect for any application or project you have involving high-security standards. What makes the PVS screw so safe is that one cannot disassemble it with an Allen wrench.
We hope this guide has helped you to see how simple it is to work with T-slots and their connectors. You now have everything you need to know to start your first building project utilizing T-slot aluminum framing. If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact us, and we'll be happy to help you!
