T-slot aluminum extrusions
Aluminum, being the most abundant metal on earth, is widely used to make building structures and framing. Aluminum is a commonly used material due to its strength, lightweight, corrosion resistance, thermal and electrical conductivity.
Extrusion is the process of forcing the aluminum materials into a die (cutting tool) to convert them into the required shape. Aluminum extrusion is the designing of customized aluminum cross-sectional profiles. Different extrusion profiles can be made according to requirements. T-slot aluminum extrusions allow us to make customized frames and these contain grooves and channels to fix in the desired modulated shape. Extrusions are one of the most cost and time-effective products used to make multi-faceted joints with perfect finishing. T-slot aluminum extrusions add more value, flexibility, and versatility to the finished product.
Applications of t-slot extrusion
Extrusion can create unlimited types of three-dimensional profiles which can be hollow, semi-hollow, or solid. Following are some applications of t-slot aluminum extrusions.
· The building of DIY workstations using aluminum extrusions
· Construction of customized worktables
· Adding conveyer function in industry
· Formation of sorting racks
· Use of t-slot extrusions in electrical equipment due to its high conductivity properties
· Installation of industrial fencing and machine guarding
· Aluminum partitions in workspace
· Germ and Safety Barriers
Advantages of t-slot aluminum extrusion
T-slot aluminum extrusion offers many benefits as compared to steel extrusion. Following are some advantages;
On-site assembling of extrusions:
The most important benefit of aluminum extrusion is that these can be assembled on-site without welding, specialized equipment, and workforce. This causes a reduction of cost as compared to the steel that needs welding, finishing, and painting. These extrusions are also time effective in that they assemble easily.
High strength to weight ratio of aluminum
In a weight perspective, aluminum is 66% lighter in weight than steel and in some cases, can be made as strong yet retain a weight advantage. Aluminum extrusions offer the ability to make lighter frames for benches, tables, and racks that can be easily moved from one place to the other.
Higher corrosion resistance
Aluminum is more resistant to corrosion in a variety of environmental conditions than steel. An aluminum oxide film is developed on its surface due to which it does not react with moisture or water. Even painted steel is more susceptible to corrosion than anodized aluminum.
Cold strength of aluminum
Aluminum remains ductile and strong in cryogenic applications or cold environments. Steel and plastic become brittle at low temperatures that makes aluminum extrusion a better option for building materials.
Reusability of aluminum extrusions
The most important feature of aluminum extrusions is their reusability. We can reassemble these extrusions to make a new frame. Aluminum can also be recycled without altering its innate properties.
It is safer to work with Aluminum
Cutting aluminum is easier and safer as compared to iron and steel. This property of aluminum extrusions makes it easy to handle for DIY and industrial builders. Aluminum does not produce large flakes so it is safe to work with aluminum.
