1000’S OF ALUMINUM EXTRUSIONS, T-SLOT PARTS & ACCESSORIES

If you are new to using t-slots, the idea can sound daunting with so many parts and t-slots extrusions to choose from. Luckily, it’s actually fairly simple once you understand the basics of using the t-slot aluminum framework. I will break down the system for you and if you have any more questions, please contact us and we will be happy to help or even design and quote your project for free.

Using T-Slot Profiles

There are a few things you need to keep in mind when selecting a t-slot profile series for your project. Before you choose a profile series, think about the nature of your project and about what size, strength, color, weight, and shape you will need.

T-Slot Sizes and Shapes

At Parco, we carry a number of sizes of profiles and shapes both in the fractional and metric varieties. We offer extrusions that are small and suitable for building small desktop type units all the way up to our larger profiles that are strong enough for large building projects. 

Fractional

10 Series: The 10 series is our smallest fractional t-slot profile and is based on an inch with the standard t-slot, the 1010 being a square shape with 1in. x 1in. Dimensions with t-slot grooves in each side.

15 Series: The 15 series is a fractional t-slot profile based on 1.5 in. dimensions with our 1515 being the standard square profile with a t-slot grooved into each side.

Smooth or Grooved Extrusions – With our fractional series t-slot profiles, we offer two additional options.

Smooth: If you are looking for a cleaner look then you will want to choose our smooth profiles, designated with an “s” after the size. For example, the 1010s would be a 10 series smooth extrusion.

Grooved: The grooved profile has a more industrial look with tiny grooves on each side. Within the fractional extrusions, the grooved profiles are designated by the absence of the “s”. For example, the 1515 is a 15 series grooved profile.

Color: The standard color of our t-slots is clear aluminum, but many of our popular size t-slot extrusions are also available in a black anodized finish as well as “safety” yellow.

Metric

30 Series: The 30 series is a metric t-slot profile based on 30mm dimensions with the 3030 being the standard square profile with a t-slot grooved into each side.

40 Series: The 40 series is a metric t-slot profile based on 40mm dimensions with the 4040 being the standard square profile with a t-slot grooved into each side. 

45 Series: The 45 series is a metric t-slot profile based on 45mm dimensions with the 4545 being the standard square profile with a t-slot grooved into each side.

After determining whether you want to work in the fractional or metric series you need to determine what profile series will work best for your build. You will need to factor in how much size and strength you will need as well as if you plan to use the smooth or grooved profiles.

Within a t-slot series, there are many shapes to work with. There are square profiles, rectangle, and radius profiles, along with thousands of parts to connect or accessorize your project.

This is where the fun begins! T-slot extrusions have been called an “adult erector set” and with all that Parco offers, you can build almost anything you can imagine for your shop or industry. 

Connecting T-slot Extrusions

There are many ways to connect aluminum extrusions. You can connect them end to end,  along the profile face or at corners. This can be accomplished using t-fasteners, central connectors, brackets, 45-degree connectors, pivot hinges, or joining plates

To make it easier to select the right fastener, they can be divided into two categories; external fasteners and internal fasteners.

External Fasteners

External t-slot fasteners easily connect your extrusions together. They are mounted to the exterior of your extrusions and don’t require additional machining. You can use external connectors to attach more than one profile at a time and to lock your extrusions into various angles. They are easy to assemble and easily positioned along your profiles or projects.

Brackets: Joining brackets are external fasteners that are easy to use and will quickly connect your t-slots into various angles. Whether it is a common 90-degree corner bracket or a 45-degree bracket, there are many t-slot bracelets to choose to get the job done.

Gussets: Gussets are essentially reinforced brackets. Use these when you need extra strength to hold your project angles.

45 Degree Supports: These supports add strength and are mounted to the inside of a t-slot extrusion connection.

Structural Pivots: Structural pivots are used to give your attachment connection strength and provide a pivoting joint. 

Internal Fasteners

Internal fasteners create strong connections between profiles. They are easy to assemble and easily repositioned. The internal fasteners tend to be more hidden and will not affect the project design. Once you select an internal fastener the extrusion must be machined specifically for that fastener. This can be easily accomplished by selecting the machining upon checkout on the online store or by calling into your sales rep.

Anchor Fastener: An anchor fastener is a strong internal connector. It is flush with the extrusion face and requires the extrusion to be machined prior to using. For an extra-strong connection, use a double anchor connector.

Butt Fastener: This fastener assembly includes two cams and a bolt and is recommended where there are space limitations. It provides a flush connection and requires counterbore machining on each profile.

End Fastener: End fasteners include a wing clip and a screw to provide a 90-degree connection that is hidden and strong. This connection requires end tap machining in the mounting profile and an access hole on the mating profile that provides access to tighten the connection. T-slot end fasteners are available in single, double or triple configurations.

Central connector: The central connector is a strong internal fastener that provides infinite positioning along the adjoining profile face. This requires the central connector machining service. 

T-Nut Fasteners

The beauty of t-slot profiles is the ability to extend their functionality by attaching various hardware along the t-slot profile face. The easiest way to do this is with t-nut type fasteners. The t-nut acts like a common hex nut but is shaped so that it can attach to the t-slot using a bolt easily and securely. 

There are three main types of t-nut fasteners.

Slide-in T-nut: The slide-in t-nut is a simple nut that slides into the end of a fastener along the face of the t-slot profile and is drawn tight to the t-slot using a bolt.

Drop-in T-nut: The drop-in t-nut, sometimes called a “z-nut” fits directly down into the t-slot and turns 45 degrees to lock-in. This makes it easy to add hardware anywhere along the face even if the end of the slot is covered.

Roll-in T-nut: The roll-in t-nut is similar to the drop in except instead of fitting directly into the slot, it is fitted on it’s side and rolled into place. It is then tightened anywhere along the face using a bolt.

Doors, Panels, and Safety Guarding

Whether it is adding mesh or plastic doors to your t-slot workstation, making COVID germ barriers or adding machine safety guarding to your entire shop, Parco has an extensive selection of plastics, wire mesh, and door and panel hardware to choose from.

Plastic and Aluminum Composite Panels for T-Slots

Before choosing a door or panel for your aluminum t-slot project, you need to assess what requirements you will need to meet. Will you need weather or chemical resistance, or is the clarity or surface texture more important? Here is a quick rundown of the panels we have to fit into your aluminum t-slot frames.

HDPE: High-density polyethylene is a strong, corrosion, warp, and impact-resistant plastic that is also easily machined. We have it stocked in six colors for your convenience. The perfect choice for your t-slot project.

Alucobond: If you are looking for an aluminum composite panel that is resistant to temperature, alucobond will work for you. It is resistant up to 175 degrees and impact and weather resistant. Alucobond is often used in t-slot workstations, guarding, and enclosures.

Alumalite: Another aluminum composite material that is weather and temperature resistant is Alumalite. This composite is commonly used in signs, displays, and enclosures.

Acrylic: If optical clarity and weather resistance is required, then Acrylic may be the best choice. It resists temperatures up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. This plastic panel is commonly used in signs, displays, and furniture.

Polycarbonate: 30 times stronger than acrylic, polycarbonate panels are durable and impact resistant. Polycarbonate is temperature resistant up to 240 degrees Fahrenheit and is ideal for industrial applications.

ABS Haircell: Textured on one side, ABS Haircell is a cost-effective temperature resistant panel often used in t-slot workstations, furniture, displays, and partitions.

Expanded PVC: Lightweight and cost-effective, expanded PVC panels are chemical and weather resistant and stable up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically used in displays, exhibits, and signage.

PVC Coated Wire Mesh: T-slot aluminum safety guarding often uses wire mesh for their enclosures and machine guarding applications. Wire mesh is impact resistant and provides visibility and ventilation. Available in black or safety yellow.

Mounting Panels to Aluminum T-slot Frames

There are a few ways that you can fasten plastic or aluminum composite panels when building your t-slot project. The first is by sliding the panel into the t-slot groove and then securing it with a panel retainer. To mount it flush with the t-slot or on the outside of the t-slot frame you will use a panel mount block. Additionally, to keep the dirt out, you can use a rubber panel gasket. 

Attaching Your Panel Door To Your T-Slot Project

Once you have your door assembled it is time to mount it to the t-slot frame. Parco has a large assortment of plastic, aluminum and steel hinges, and other mounting options to choose from.

Plastic T-slot Hinges: For lightweight doors and occasional use, the black nylon hinges work great. We have lift-off hinges for when you need to take the door off on a regular basis and constant friction hinges that your hold door open in a certain position.

Aluminum T-Slot Hinges: If you need a stronger hinge and would like to keep the clean finished look, then an aluminum hinge may be your best.

Zinc Plated Steel Hinges: For heavy-duty options, we offer a selection of steel hinges for your t-slot project.

Bi-fold T-slot Hinges: Making slidable bi-fold doors for your aluminum t-slot project is easy with our hinge selection and bi-fold mounting options.

T-slot Door Handles and Locks

At Parco, we carry a number of handles for your t-slot framework. There are handles in plastic, aluminum, and steel. To latch and secure your project or machine guarding we carry, magnetic, safety locks, and electric actuated locks.

To finish your project we have numerous accessories to clean up the look or expand the utility of your project. To hang your tools, mount a cup holder, or part grabber cups take a look at our t-slot accessories category.

Securing Your T-slot Project or Making it Mobile

Whether it is fixed or stationary casters or floor mounting brackets, Parco has numerous options to keep your aluminum t-slot project secure where you need it. For heavier duty units, we have leveling casters or leveling floor mounts.