Six Reasons to Consider T-Slot Aluminum-vs-Steel
Aluminum is used for a wide range of applications because it is a highly versatile metal. Also, the benefits of aluminum-vs-steel are hard to match. Light weight, strong, and corrosion-resistant, aluminum makes a formable structure. Secondly, it has an attractive appearance and is easily recyclable, making it environmentally friendly. Lastly, highly resilient, aluminum flexes under loads or reshapes itself after the shock of an impact.
Learn How Aluminum Stacks up Against Steel
Weighs Less Than Steel
While one-third the weight of steel, aluminum yields a strength of 35,000 psi. Depending on the alloy and processing technique used, pound for pound, it’s possible to forge aluminum to be just as strong as steel.
No Welding Required
Aluminum T-Slot frames and designs do not require welding like steel does.
Costs Less Than Steel
80/20 aluminum framing systems often save you hundreds of dollars versus welding steel framing. When comparing the two alloys, the cost of steel-vs-aluminum is one of the most important factors in determining which materials to use for a job. Affordable tooling costs make designing a custom aluminum extrusion shape or profile surprisingly inexpensive.
Strength Similar to Steel
Aluminum has a better strength-to-weight ratio and is almost 2X stronger at the same weight. Aluminum’s better strength-to-weight ratio makes aluminum a better solution for applications where lighter weight is important. Aluminum structures can be assembled on-site and are easier and less costly to move than steel structures.
Machining Not Required
A wide range of standard and custom machining services are available with 80/20. However, unlike steel, they are not required. Steel requires metal machining (cut, drilled, etc.) to remove material and be shaped into the desired product.
Corrosion Resistant
When it comes to corrosion resistance of aluminum-vs-steel, aluminum clearly wins. Aluminum resists corrosion, without requiring the need of additional treatments after it has been extruded. In addition, aluminum requires less maintenance over time. This is because it doesn’t rust and does not require any coatings or paint that will wear or scratch off. Naturally occurring oxide film protects aluminum. Aluminum can be further enhanced with a variety of finishes such as anodizing, powder coating, brushed finish, media blasting, painting, polishing or chemical wash techniques.
FAQ’s
What are the benefits of aluminum extrusion?
Aluminum extrusion is 100% recyclable and non-toxic. It comes with a wide range of finishing options. It is also resilient and highly reflective. Aluminum also has high electrical and thermal conductivity. Intricate shapes are possible, and it is non-sparking, non-magnetic, non-combustible and virtually seamless. See additional benefits of using 80/20 framing systems.
What are 80/20 T-Slots?
T-slot aluminum profiles offer built-in modularity making it easy to assemble and reassemble to conform to evolving needs. The T-slot provides the ability to add connections and join profiles to closed ends. This allows you to change your design without having to start from scratch. It also enable easy expansion and retraction of your build for modifications down the road.
For a complete listing of 80/20 products, visit 80/20.net. For more information regarding 80/20 T-Slot extrusion or on complete custom solutions with 80/20 Aluminum Framing Systems, call us at 800.582.5162 or contact our team of design engineers. They help create customized systems and offer services like design assistance, custom machining, kit packaging and support to build your application, and provide AutoCAD™ and Solidworks™ drawings of the application.