Jun. 17, 2024
Guide to DIY with T-Slot Aluminum
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Standard DIY disclaimers applies - The author is not responsible for anything you build based on information in this article.
Why use T-Slot extrusion over wood?
profile bar. 30mm x 30mm
What profile (size) do I need?
(From left to right) reinforced corner bracket, tee plate, 90 corner plate
How do I attach it?
So, let's build a stand!
In the example build for this article, we will build my custom 68g acrylic tank stand seen here.
(The basic aspects of the tank can easily be duplicated to your specific tank needs).
Additional images from the construction of this stand
New Product
T-Slot aluminum extrusion is an ideal material for building modern, strong tank stands and canopies. And it isn&#;t as difficult as you might think, essentially you are playing with a supersize Erector kit! Using simple fastening methods and careful planning, even an individual with no experience can build a high tech stand quickly and easily!Building with T-Slot has a number of advantages over building with wood. Aluminum extrusion is stronger and lighter than wood. Once the cuts are made, it can also be put together and taken down easily. And while it isn&#;t exactly cheap, designing and building your own stand need not be overly expensive either.One of the keys to successfully building your T-Slot stand is careful planning and design. I order my T-Slot and brackets from Zyltech ( zyltech.com ), where you can have bars precision cut to specific sizes for a small fee. Other T-Slot suppliers also offer custom cutting services, and I highly recommend this since extrusion can be a challenge to cut precisely on a home miter saw. If you choose to cut the bar yourself, it is recommend to use a blade designed for cutting aluminum extrusion, like a 60-72 tooth carbide tipped triple chip blade. Always use proper eye and safety protection when cutting T-Slot, cutting has a tendency to produce tiny/sharp/hot aluminum shavings!Profile refers to the size/thickness of the T-Slot bar used. Common profiles are (20mmx20mm) , (30mmx30mm), (40mmx40mm) etc. Aluminum extrusion is very strong, and in most cases you will not need to build with anything over . For example, a 36&#; bar supported on 2 ends can support 3,573 lbs! For very large systems, you might choose a larger profile.The simplest way to attach T-Slot is by using external plates or supported corner brackets. These brackets attach to the exterior of the bar, and are anchored in place by T-Bolts and Nuts. I prefer the look and strength of external plates in most situations. They also make it much easier to add slide-in panels between the bars for aesthetic purposes.For the purposes of this sample build, we will use the simplest types of external fasteners, plates and corner bracketsMy custom AIO is 32&#;w x 26&#;d x 20&#;h, holding approx. 68-72 gallons max. Figuring 10 lbs/gal with water/rock/etc, the stand should hold a minimum of 720 lbs. With bar, this could easily be accomplished even without the additional front center braces, but I like to include at least one center brace on med/larger tanks.The stand height is 32&#;, converting to mm is 813mm, so the stand has 4 bars cut to 813mm.Using a Hex wrench and M5 nuts/bolts (M5 for bar, the nut/bolt size will change depending on profile) - loosely thread a bolt on the back of each bolt to attach the plate. Then place the plate over the rail and tighten/hand torque it into position. Tighten the bolts well, but don&#;t over tighten them, it can make them extremely hard to remove if you need to make adjustments or disassemble it!I had 2 pieces of white acrylic cut that easily slide into place when using exterior plates. These can make nice decorative or mounting features. I also attach a padded neoprene tape to the top of the stand where it meets the tank.These are just the basics, once you are comfortable working with it, any number of other features can be included on your T-Slot stands - like lighting canopies, shelving, doors, caster brackets, etc!R2R Members selling T-Slot Accessories:
Think about that guardrail on the roadside, beams used in setting up concert spaces, or that rack in your kitchen. It is probably made with T-slot aluminum extrusions. Why? It is because aluminum extrusions have become a common choice in making various products for different uses. This is due to aluminum&#;s impressive properties which we will cover in the course of this post. Now, what are T-slot aluminum extrusions and what are their advantages? Keep reading to find out more.
T-slot aluminum extrusions are metallic products that have t-shaped openings at a given end or side. Experts use these openings (along with bolts, nuts, and other fasteners) to join parts in order to make complete structures. For example, a disassembled table with aluminum parts can be put together through the T-slots if the manufacturer uses such openings.
Don&#;t worry about what aluminum extrusions are. Simply put, these can be aluminum bars, hollow or solid, or other smaller items of different shapes and sizes. Molten aluminum goes through a die in an extrusion process that allows manufacturers to make a variety of aluminum end products depending on the shape of the die used.
What Are the Advantages of T slot Aluminum Extrusions?
When you settle for T-slot aluminum extrusions, there are several advantages to enjoy. Let&#;s dive into the details.
Easy to Work with
Imagine you are putting together two structures in a manufacturing facility. One has aluminum extrusions with T-slots while another requires you to do some welding to join parts. T-slots are easier to work with in this scenario. All you have to do is place the extrusions in one work area and interlock them using connecting apparatus like nuts and bolts to secure the setup. Other processes like welding could take more time.
Support Quick Assembly
T-slot aluminum extrusions allows workers in the factory and end users alike to quickly put together products. For complex products that require the manufacturer to do the assembling before they are delivered, T-slots give companies an easier time. Moreover, if there is a mistake in the assembling process, an item can be quickly disassembled for proper making. There is no worrying about wasting material or having to start from scratch.
Improves Production Processes
Since T-slot aluminum extrusions are easy to work with and save time, the manufacturing process becomes more efficient. Workers are able to do more of a given job and achieve more, enhancing productivity. This is a handy benefit for huge orders. Additionally, customers get their orders in a timely fashion.
For more Aluminium T-slot Profilesinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
Related links:Easily Recyclable
Based on aluminum&#;s ease of recycling, T-slot aluminum extrusions become an eco-friendly product. In a world where climate change is wreaking havoc around the world, a manufacturing material (aluminum in this case) that supports recycling is a huge win for companies and benefit for the planet. That aside, these extrusions can also be easily repurposed to make other useful structures.
They Make Packaging and Delivery More Convenient
For simple aluminum structures like work tables, racks, and frames, T-slot aluminum extrusions are a welcome choice. That is because the different parts can be put apart and packed more compactly to save space. This also makes transportation and delivery more convenient. I mean between a bulky structure and one that is disassembled into a small package, which one makes shipping a lot easier?
Aluminum&#;s Properties also Come in Handy
We cannot talk about T-slot aluminum extrusions without touching on aluminum&#;s properties as well.
It Is Lightweight Yet Strong
Aluminum is a lightweight yet sturdy material, making it ideal for making various items, complex and simple, small and large. Some aluminum alloys are also stronger for projects that need extra sturdiness for safety and structural stability.
Look
S
tunning
One more thing, aluminum takes a stunning silver color that looks eye-catching wherever it is used. Whether it is used to make household appliances, medical equipment, or food tools, aluminum provides a visually appealing look for products.
It is Corrosion
R
esistant
Aluminum is also resistant to corrosion. It retains its elegance even after a while of use, which is vital for every sector. You want your workspace and appliances looking eye-catching without too much maintenance required.
Aluminum Is Durable
Aluminum is also durable ensuring that different structures and equipment made from the material last a while. Its longevity added to its corrosion resistance is an advantage for both manufacturers and consumers.
Regardless of whether you are a manufacturer or consumer, T-slot aluminum extrusions are a suitable choice for several reasons. They are easy to work with, assemble and disassemble; not forgetting the ease of packing and shipping of some T slot aluminum extrusion structures.
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