T-slot structural framing, sometimes known as aluminum extrusion, or 2020 extrusion when the
cross-section
Cross section may refer to:
* Cross section (geometry)
** Cross-sectional views in architecture & engineering 3D
*Cross section (geology)
* Cross section (electronics)
* Radar cross section, measure of detectability
* Cross section (physics)
**Ab ...
is 20x20 mm, is a framing system consisting of lengths of square or rectangular
extruded
Extrusion is a process used to create objects of a fixed cross-sectional profile by pushing material through a die of the desired cross-section. Its two main advantages over other manufacturing processes are its ability to create very complex c ...
aluminum, typically
6105-T5 aluminium alloy, with a T-slot down the centerline of one or more sides. It is also known as 80/20 framing, after the company 80/20, Inc., one of the prominent T-slot framing brands, the name of which is based on the
80/20 or "Pareto" principle.
While there is no published standard defining this framing system, manufacturers have settled into two categories of product comprising several series each that is generally intercompatible across 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
Linear motion, also called rectilinear motion, is one-dimensional motion along a straight line, and can therefore be described mathematically using only one spatial dimension. The linear motion can be of two types: uniform linear motion, with co ...
in a
3d printer
3D printing or additive manufacturing is the Manufacturing, construction of a three-dimensional object from a computer-aided design, CAD model or a digital 3D modeling, 3D model. It can be done in a variety of processes in which material is ...
or other
CNC machine
Numerical control (also computer numerical control, and commonly called CNC) is the automated control of machining tools (such as drills, lathes, mills, grinders, routers and 3D printers) by means of a computer. A CNC machine processes a ...
.
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 available as well which measure ''x'' by ''2x'' (where ''x'' is the defined width) - e.g. 40mx80mm for 40 series.
File:CAD model of a T-Nut 1.png, CAD model of a rotating T-slot nut
A T-slot nut is used with a threaded clamp to position and secure pieces being worked on in a workshop. The T-slot nut slides along a T-slot track, which is set in workbench or table for a router, drill press, or bandsaw. T-slot nuts are also use ...
used with aluminium T-slots/ T-track/ extrusions
File:CAD model of a T-Nut 2.png
File:CAD model of a T-Nut 3.png
File:T-Nut - Installed in a T-Slot.png, T-nut (red) installed in a T-slot
See also
*
T-slot nut
A T-slot nut is used with a threaded clamp to position and secure pieces being worked on in a workshop. The T-slot nut slides along a T-slot track, which is set in workbench or table for a router, drill press, or bandsaw. T-slot nuts are also use ...
*
Strut channel
Strut channel, often referred to colloquially by one of several manufacturer trade names, is a standardized formed structural system used in the construction and electrical industries for light structural support, often for supporting wiring, plumb ...
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:80 20 (Framing System)
Structural system