T-Slot Aluminum: Fasteners

T-Slot Fasteners

When designing and constructing with aluminum t-slot extrusions, you’ll find there is a variety of accessories to assist in assembly; such as:

• Fasteners
• Connectors
• Frame to Floor

The above will help to build the aluminum framework for your desired application. Below we will discuss each one with an emphasis on the tslot fastener and its importance in customizing your project.

T-Slot Fasteners vs. Connectors

Fasteners are often confused with connectors, and vice versa. The two terms are used interchangeably when building t-slotted aluminum frameworks but have different uses. Unlike a connector, a t-slot fastener is used to attach accessories to  t-slot extrusion. Aluminum modular framing is built to be versatile and allow for numerous mounting options by way of fasteners. With the use of a t-slot fastener, you can mount a multitude of things like:

• Pneumatic, mechanical, or electronic components
• Monitors
• Panels
• Door hinges
• Latches and Handles

There are various types of fasteners, each one with its own distinct purpose.

The t-nut is the most common tslot fastener, and can come in the following designs:

• Roll-in T-nuts/Ball-Spring and Leaf-Spring
• Drop-in T-nuts/Leaf-Spring/Ball-Spring/Set Screw
• T-slot Nuts/Slide-in
• Standard T-nuts
• Economy, Double and Triple Economy T-nuts

In addition to the t-nuts, there are also t-bolts, which are made for metric and fractional profiles. T-bolts are used to fasten panels or components to an aluminum t-slotted extrusion. These fasteners are also commonly used as a grounding lug in ESD applications.

T-slot aluminum also uses external fasteners and this is where terminology can get tricky. This type of tslot hardware can be used as a fastener or a connector; either an anchor, end, central or hidden corner. These all mount anywhere easily to the outside of the t-slot aluminum to create strong connection points.

When using t-slotted aluminum for industrial applications, internal fasteners are best. Internal fasteners often require machining of the bars, whereas external fasteners/connectors do not.

T-Slot Connectors

While discussing the various types of t-slot fasteners and connectors, let’s not forget how easy it is to work with t-slot framing. No clamping or welding, just connect and go. From brackets to assembly plates, gussets and bolts, connectors come in all forms.

In order for a whole assembly to be durable and effective, it will need strong joint configurations. Like t-slot fasteners, connectors each have their own purpose depending on the construction, whether simple or complex. The different types of connectors include:

• Screw Connectors: used for the most basic connection
• Brackets (Inner and Outer): strengthen joints subject to heavy loads
• Butt Fastener Connectors: used to connect one bar to the middle (T junction) of another
• Cubic Connectors: connects 3 bars together in a corner
• Anchor Fastener Connectors: they provide a strong 90-degree flush connection

T-Slot Aluminum Frame to Floor

For a framework to stand on its own, it will need some help. Whether attaching to the floor or to the ceiling, mounting your framework will either need base plates, leveling feet or floor brackets. If you need your assembly to be mobile, there are casters available as well. Below, we have listed out some information on each frame to floor accessory for you.

Leveling Feet

As the name implies, leveling feet will allow the t-slot aluminum framework to sit level on the ground. From stud length to pad material and thread types, leveling feet come in an array of designs to help framework sit level.

Floor Brackets

In many settings, assemblies such as machine framing or barriers need to be securely anchored in its designated place. Floor brackets are made from materials like steel or anodized aluminum.

Base Plates

These adapters are for mounting a leveling foot onto a bar where there is no center bore to tap. Base plates will require the adjoining bar to be tapped in order to receive it.

Casters

Casters offer framework mobility. They are defined by their load rating range (5 levels) of light-duty to extra super duty. Casters come in different types such as:

• Swivel
• Rigid
• Leveling
• Furniture casters
• Pneumatic and Solid Rubber

We hope this information has helped you learn more about fasteners and other accessories for the aluminum t-slot extrusion framework. If you have further questions about any of the accessories mentioned, feel free to reach out at (800) 817-0617 and let us help you!