How to Assemble Modular Aluminum Framing Systems with Ease

T slot aluminum framing systems can be used for a multitude of applications around an industrial facility, including industrial workstations, machine guards, safety enclosures and automation and robotic supports. Aluminum framing systems are not only versatile, but they make designing and assembling just about any project a simple endeavor. This blog aims to serve as a guide to assembling modular aluminum framing systems, so users can take advantage of the ease, simplicity and robustness aluminum frames provide. But, first, we’ll begin with the basics, such as what are t slot aluminum framing systems and why they’re an excellent medium for industrial projects.

T slot aluminum framing systems are assembled from extruded aluminum profiles that include a t-shaped slot along the length of each component to permit easy connections that enable a variety of structures and supports to be built without the need for welding or special tools. This method allows for modular aluminum framing solutions that are not only simple to assemble, but also easy to disassemble and reuse to create other structures if the needs of the facility change in the future.

Aluminum framing solutions offer many benefits for industrial users, including:

Simple Assembly: Thanks to the t slot aluminum extrusion components, modular aluminum framing systems can be assembled quickly and easily without the need for welding or special tools.

Customization: The modularity and simplicity of aluminum framing means that it is possible to design and build a workstation, machine guard, robotic support or anything else that meets the exact needs and specifications of the project.

Flexibility: Thanks to the modularity of aluminum frames, they can be used to build a variety of structures, including machine guards, safety enclosures, workstations and automation supports. Further, because modular aluminum framing systems are easy to assemble, disassemble and repurpose, they permit future modifications.

Durability: T slot aluminum extrusions are corrosion resistant and offer a high strength-to-weight ratio, which means structures made from 80/20 aluminum framing will remain attractive, sturdy and stable for many years, even in harsh industrial environments.

How to Assemble T Slot Aluminum Framing

Because aluminum framing systems are so versatile, many industrial users are interested in creating workstations, safety enclosures or equipment supports, but may not be sure that assembling structures from modular aluminum framing systems is as easy as it is touted to be.

So here we break down the process of assembling aluminum framing into three steps to show how simple it really is.

• Design: While you may have a project in mind, creating the design and determining what pieces, which connectors and how many of each are necessary may be intimidating. However, many providers of t slot aluminum provide software programs that may be used to create a three-dimensional model of the project and then select the necessary aluminum framing components in the proper lengths, as well as the connectors and accessories that are needed to make the vision a reality. Additionally, many providers of t slot aluminum framing solutions are able to design the project for you, which is often a quick and easy alternative that ensures that project is properly engineered.
• Prep: Depending on whether you chose to order unmodified pieces or finished pieces, some prep work may be needed. Because most industrial users have the equipment to cut or drill the components to their own specifications in house, they opt to order unmodified, full-length t slot aluminum extrusions. In these cases, the components will need to be cut, drilled or machined to the specifications of the design. However, in an effort to save time or for facilities that do not have the proper equipment, suppliers of 80/20 aluminum systems also offer finished components that arrive at the facility in the proper lengths and finishes with the holes pre-drilled. In this case, the project will arrive ready to be assembled.
• Start Building Your Project: Once the materials are in house and, if necessary, prepped, it is time to assemble the finished project. Your 80/20 aluminum system can be assembled with simple hand tools using the t slots and connectors without the need for skilled labor or welding equipment. T-slot profiles are easy to line up and connect. If your measurement needs to be adjusted, simply loosen a fastener and revise. Many providers of modular aluminum framing systems also provide a service that will quickly construct the solution for you, if needed.

Whether you choose to assemble modular aluminum framing solutions in house or use the construction services of material and system providers, such as 80/20 Solutions, you are sure to have a project that results in an industrial workstation, safety enclosure, machine guard or support that is well designed, as well as sturdy and flexible enough to stand up to harsh industrial environments today and well into tomorrow. For more information 80/20 Solutions or more detailed information on designing and building customized modular aluminum framing systems, please contact JHFOSTER.