If you are looking for a versatile, durable, and easy-to-use building system for your next project, you might want to consider 80/20 aluminum extrusion. In this blog, we will explain what 80/20 aluminum extrusion is, what are its benefits, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

What is 80/20 Aluminum Extrusion?

80/20 aluminum extrusion is also known as T-slot aluminum extrusion, or T slot structural framing. It is a modular framing system that consists of aluminum profiles with T-shaped slots along their length. These slots allow you to attach various accessories and fasteners to create custom structures and solutions.

The name 80/20 comes from the Pareto principle, which states that 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. In other words, 80/20 aluminum extrusion allows you to achieve 80% of your results with 20% of your effort.

What are the Benefits of 80/20 Aluminum Extrusion?

• 80/20 aluminum extrusion offers many advantages over other building systems, such as: It is lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant, making it suitable for various indoor and outdoor applications.
• It is easy to assemble and reassemble, allowing you to modify and adjust your structures as needed.
• It is compatible with a wide range of accessories and components, such as panels, doors, hinges, handles, casters, linear motion systems, pneumatic and hydraulic systems, and more.
• It is cost-effective and environmentally friendly, as it reduces waste and saves energy.

Series of Aluminum Extrusions offered by 80/20.

T-Slots are the standard and most widely used series offered by 8020. They feature T-shaped slots along their sides, allowing for easy attachment of accessories, fasteners, and components. The T-Slots series includes both fractional and metric options:

T-Slots Series:

T-Slots are the standard and most widely used series offered by 8020. They feature T-shaped slots along their sides, allowing for easy attachment of accessories, fasteners, and components. The T-Slots series includes both fractional and metric options.

Choose T-Slots for versatile and customizable projects that require a wide range of accessories and components. T-Slots offer the most options in terms of size, load capacity, and compatibility with various connectors, making them suitable for a broad range of applications

Ready Tube Series:

The Ready Tube series is a unique option that offers pre-cut and pre-threaded tubes, which simplifies assembly and reduces the need for cutting and machining. It is available in both fractional and metric sizes, providing convenience for specific projects.

Opt for Ready Tube when you need a more convenient and time-saving solution. With pre-cut and pre-threaded tubes, Ready Tube simplifies assembly and reduces the need for cutting and machining, making it ideal for projects that require efficiency and quick construction.

Quick Frame Series:

The Quick Frame series is designed for quick and easy assembly with a snap-in connection system. It is an excellent choice for lightweight structures, displays, and DIY projects, providing simplicity and versatility.

Select Quick Frame for lightweight and easy-to-assemble structures. The snap-in connection system allows for rapid assembly without the need for additional fasteners or tools. Quick Frame is best suited for projects where simplicity and speed are top priorities, such as displays, lightweight frames, and DIY applications.

Types of T-Slot Aluminum Extrusions

T-Slots are the standard and most widely used series offered by 8020. They feature T-shaped slots along their sides, allowing for easy attachment of accessories, fasteners, and components. The T-Slots series includes both fractional and metric options:

Fractional Series (10 and 15 Series):

10 Series: This series typically has dimensions of 1" x 1" (25.4mm x 25.4mm). It is suitable for small to medium-duty applications, such as lightweight enclosures, workstations, and displays.
 
15 Series: With dimensions of 1.5" x 1.5" (38.1mm x 38.1mm), this series strikes a balance between strength and versatility. It is commonly used in automation frameworks, machine bases, and medium-duty structures.

Metric Series (20, 25, 30, 40, and 45 Series):

20 Series: These profiles have dimensions of 20mm x 20mm and are ideal for small projects and applications where space is limited.

25 Series: With dimensions of 25mm x 25mm, this series offers increased strength compared to the 20 series and is suitable for moderate-duty applications.

30 Series: Featuring dimensions of 30mm x 30mm, the 30 series is versatile and widely used for automation, test rigs, and moderate load-bearing structures.

40 Series: The 40 series has dimensions of 40mm x 40mm and is used for heavy-duty applications, such as industrial machine frames and large enclosures.

45 Series: With dimensions of 45mm x 45mm, the 45 series provides a balance of strength and versatility, finding application in various industries.

Choosing the Right Series for Your Project:

Identify Load Requirements:  Consider the weight and load-bearing requirements of your project. Larger series like 40 and 45 are suitable for heavier loads, while smaller series like 10 and 15 are ideal for lighter applications.45 Series: 

Project Size and Space Constraints: Assess the available space and project size. Smaller projects may benefit from the 10, 20, or 25 series, while larger projects might require the 40 or 45 series.

Project Application:  Consider the specific application and environmental factors. For automation or robotics projects, the 15 or 30 series might be a good fit due to their widespread use and availability of components.

Budget Constraints:  Take your budget into account while choosing the series. The 15 series is often preferred due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness.

Compatibility:  As CPI Automation mentioned, sticking with a specific series throughout the project ensures consistency and simplifies the assembly process. Different series profiles require particular series fastening connectors and components, so selecting one series avoids compatibility issues.

In conclusion, 8020 offers a range of series, each with unique properties and applications. Carefully assess your project's load requirements, size constraints, and specific application to choose the ideal series. Sticking with a single series throughout the project ensures consistency and simplifies the construction process, and for most use cases, the 15 series is a versatile and widely available option.

Thank you,

Your CPI Automation Team