By Lisa Eitel April 24, 2019. Parker’s Electromechanical and Drives Division North America now offers Parker T-Slot Aluminum Design Architect, which lets users of any skill level quickly and easily design products from Parker T-slot aluminum framing components. The software takes the challenging task of designing products from T-slot aluminum and makes it as simple as building with snap-together blocks. We created TSLOTS in Clearfield, Utah so you can create structures faster and easier than welded steel allows. When using our custom T-slotted aluminum extrusions, you simply insert a T-nut and fastener into the extrusion and tighten it to create a durable, strong and lightweight structure that is both functional and attractive. More about aluminum.
Why Use T slot Framing?
There are many reasons to use T-slot aluminum framing, but these are the main reasons: strength, durability and versatility.
Framing Strength
Stronger Than You Think
T Slot Aluminum Design
A common misconception is that aluminum will not meet structural strength standards. In fact, extruded aluminum possesses a superior strength-to-weight ratio than steel. It is strong enough to handle most structural design applications. Overall, the light-weight structure and structural strength offer to great benefits. It's a cost-effective and easy to use t-slotted framing option.
Structural Durability
- T-Slotted Aluminum Extrusion Our T-Slotted Aluminum Extrusion Lines utilize corrosion resistant 6063-T6 Aluminum Alloy with a clear anodize finish. Not only do our T-Slotted Aluminum Profiles come in a.
- In a nutshell, T-slot aluminum forms the basis of a framing system for creating three-dimensional structural assemblies made with a variety of extruded and fabricated aluminum parts. With this system, each length of extruded aluminum contains one or more T-shaped indentations, or slots, into which various attachments (with ends also shaped like a 'T'?) conveniently fit and can slide up and down as needed.
Long-lasting Framing
T Slot aluminum is tough enough for most structural framing applications. Unlike steel, aluminum is rust resistant. The anodized coating on extruded aluminum is a natural coating that prevents rust. Without the worry of rust, there is no need to prime or paint the framing.
Versatile Design
Build AnythingImagine there being infinite design potential. This is true when building with T Slot aluminum. The profiles use modular design principles. This means that they can be removed, adjusted or repositioned using component technology. T-nuts are the core of all components. Alternative connection components will handle most other forms of connections.
Download
CAD Files
Download STP and native SolidWorks™ solid models here, which can be imported into any CAD software.
Download 3D Component Models
Download solid models from 3D Content Central or Futura's TSLOTS profiles and accessories, as well as FATH joining hardware, casters, handles, leveling feet, etc.
Download Deflection Calculator
Use this calculator to determine the deformation of a T-slot aluminum structural beam under various loading conditions.
We are pleased to offer an extensive inventory and selection of T-slot products for your next project. Our components are interchangeable with other leading brands, including Bosch, Item and 80/20.
Whether you need fractional or metric fasteners, smooth or grooved extrusion profiles, or wire mesh, acrylic or ABS panels, if we don’t keep it in stock, it is readily available from one of our suppliers. Call us today at 770-879-3500 and we’ll help you get started.
Want a hard copy of one of the catalogs below? Contact us and we’ll mail it to you.
We’ve built everything from aquarium stands and fume enclosures to machine frames and catwalks out of T-slots. If you can build it out of wood or welded steel, you can build it faster and more cost-effectively using T-slot extrusion.
The short answer is No. While it is possible to weld aluminum, aluminum is generally regarded as more difficult to weld than steel. Furthermore, the “X” shaped geometry of T-slotted aluminum profiles does not provide much surface area for a continuous weld. The closed sided profiles would be the exception, but using a closed profile reduces the ability to use T-slots for other purposes (mounting and attaching components).
Since all extrusions are anodized, one would need to remove the anodizing to get the best welds, which would diminish the cosmetic appeal.
Lastly, the greatest benefit to using T-slotted aluminum, and arguably the entire reason behind its existence, is its modularity. Welding the extrusions together essentially defeats the purpose of using this product altogether.
Considering the amount of skill and equipment required to weld aluminum (compared to steel), preparation and refinishing of the surface (removing anodizing), and the material cost of aluminum over steel, it is not cost- or time-effective to weld T-slotted aluminum.
Pound-for-pound aluminum is more expensive than steel, but that difference is more than made up for by the fact that T-slot aluminum is easy to assemble and requires no welding, grinding, priming and painting.
In addition, T-slot extrusion is not only more modular and flexible than welded steel, it is also more visually appealing.
No, you can provide a napkin sketch and our engineers can work with you to import your design into AutoCad® or Solidworks™. Or we can come to your facility for a consultation and take the necessary measurements to provide you with what you need.
We can complete most designs within an hour or two and do not typically charge for these services.
T Slot Aluminum Extrusion Design
As is true of most any product, the more you buy the lower the cost. We are happy to sell raw lengths of extrusion, up to 20’ in length. Call us for pricing!
Anodized aluminum offers good corrosion resistance and can stand up well to the elements. However, there are some other factors that should be considered when looking at an outdoor application. Generally it is a good idea to use stainless steel fasteners or fasteners with special coatings or plating and examine all accessories (handles, hinges, casters, etc.) for suitability.
We use a metal cutting blade with carbide inserts that are welded to each tooth.
Yes, they are. Furthermore, we can easily convert our part numbering system to any other manufacturer’s profiles to make it easy to order our product, whether you need metric or fractional sizing.
TSLOTS’ parent company, Futura Industries, is one of the world’s leading extruders of aluminum. This gives TSLOTS a decided advantage in terms of pricing, deliveries and quality control, as they obtain their profiles direct from the extruder.
TSLOTS uses 6560-T6 alloy (wrought, not cast). The initial “6” means the alloy is created primarily with magnesium and silicon. The “-T” is a temper designation and indicates that the alloy has been thermally treated. The “-T6” means it was solution heat treated and artificially aged.
The extrusions are always silver, however we can anodize them just about any color you want, especially if you are trying to match your company's brand. Black and clear (silver) anodizing are standard. Specialty colors such as blue, green, red and safety yellow are available at a premium cost, so keep that in mind when specifying them.
Pound-for-pound T-slot extrusion is as strong as steel, however you may or may not need a “strong as steel” product. We offer several different profiles: Ultra lite, lite, and regular. Depending on your application it may be advantageous to design with a lighter profile that saves you money and is easier to work with.
Use our deflection calculator to determine what style profile meets the requirements of your application.
In most cases no, but we do offer some close sided profiles and extrusions made of PVC,but for the most part if food is going to come in contact with it then T-slots is not a good fit for your application. However, it's great for end-of-line packaging and guarding in food processing plants where wash down or food contact isn’t likely.
TSLOTS' profiles have a built-in 2 degree drop across the surfaces on either side of each slot. When engaged with the right amount of torque on the fastener you will hear a “pop” sound that indicates that the surfaces have been drawn up flush, turning the connection into a lock washer-type seal.