What do the rotating index assemblers, workstations and drum kits of the rock band Pink Floyd have in common?

All three are built with modular aluminum extrusions. Although few fitters care about how Nick Mason hangs his hat, they are interested in building flexible equipment that can be reconfigured to meet changing needs. Aluminum extrusions allow manufacturers to quickly and easily reconfigure their assembly lines.

Aluminum profiles are not only components of machine manufacturers and system integrators, assemblers also use aluminum profiles to customize fixtures, workstations, material handling systems, and machine guards.

Assemblers are using bolted frame components to customize workstations and machines to meet specific process or footprint requirements. Since the profile can be used as a pipeline for compressed air or electricity, the assembler can install the power tool or actuator in any position on the workstation or machine frame. Similarly, assemblers can install tool racks, parts boxes, and information boards to minimize wasteful movement and workflow interruptions.

Modular frame components also enable assemblers to gradually increase automation, such as conveyor belts, gravity-fed parts racks and other material handling equipment.

Machine guarding is another major application of modular aluminum components. The transparent panel can be directly bolted to the machine frame, or the machine can be surrounded by a prefabricated screen suspended on the profile to fix the bottom plate to the floor. The housing can be equipped with doors that swing open on hinges or slide open on linear bearings or casters.

Compared with steel pipes, extruded aluminum profiles can be more expensive. However, higher material costs are offset by lower labor costs for assembly projects. The steel frame must be welded. The holes must be drilled and tapped, and the frame must be painted. Aluminum extrusions do not need to be painted and are modular. It has T-slots on all four sides, so engineers do not need to drill and tap. Aluminum extrusions are also very forgiving. Once you drill a hole in the steel, it is drilled.

Aluminum profiles can provide engineers with flexibility after the initial design of the automation project is completed, thereby saving money. For steel frames, engineers must work on their design before starting to cut pipes, drill holes, and weld supports. With aluminum frames, they don't have to go deep into any details. If a control panel is needed somewhere, the engineer only needs to install a few beams to install it. They can worry about the exact location of the beam in the future. T-slots allow engineers to connect components at any time and anywhere.

The following suggestions will help engineers build equipment using T-slot aluminum extrusions:

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