In the world of t-slotted aluminum framing, there are many terms that are specific to the material. With t-slot, three different things make up the framing system: extrusions (profiles), hardware, and accessories. Below we have listed t-slot terms in alphabetical order along with their definitions.
Terms
Aluminum Alloy – a composition containing mostly aluminum with elements such as zinc, manganese, tin, magnesium, silicon, and copper.
Aluminum Extrusion – aluminum that has been pushed through a mold to form a specific profile.
Anchor Fastener – a fastener used to join two t-slot profiles at right angles.
Anodizing – an electrochemical process that etches metal, allowing a pigment to enter the surface and then be sealed.
Button Head Socket Cap Screw – a BHSCS is a type of screw with a cylindrical head and hexagonal drive hole driven with an Allen wrench or hex key.
Bushing – a metal lining for a round hole.
Fastener – a fastener used to join two profiles from end to end.
Caster – a wheel that can either be rigid or swivel that allows mobility for a t-slot solution.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) – a software that assists engineers in designing and calculating the load strength of t-slot solutions.
Clearance Hole – this is a hole that provides a fastener clearance.
Deflection – in engineering, deflection is the degree to which a profile is displaced under a load.
Deflection Calculator – calculates the approximate deflection of a profile.
Double T-nut – a t-nut that contains two threaded holes.
Drop-in T-nut – a type of t-nut that drops into the “T” channel at any point on the profile. These can come with and without flex handles, bearings, or set screws. These also come in Z-nut style.
DynaLift – a company that makes hydraulic lifts for a variety of applications, including t-slot.
End Cap – a cover that goes on the end of a profile to captivate the piece, locking in the fasteners.
End Fastener – a fastener that has a connecting slip and screw that allows for a hidden connection.
Extrusion – another name for a t-slot profile.
Flanged Button Head Socket Cap Screw – a flanged BHSCS that is driven with an Allen wrench or hex key.
Fractional – inch measurement (imperial).
Glides – bolts directly to the profile and used in the “T” channel for doors and panels to move freely.
Gusset – an angle bracket that is 45 degrees that are used to attach profiles at right angles.
HDPE – this is a panel material used with t-slot. It stands for High-Density Polyethylene.
Leveling Base Plate – pre-drilled plate used to mount both leveling feet and floor anchor bolts to a t-slot frame.
Mesh Panel – a wire or plastic grid panel.
Metric – measured in meters or millimeters.
Nylon – strong elastic thermoplastic material used in linear slide bearings and wheels.
Nylatron Roller Wheels – used for guided linear motion.
OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration which regulates the use of t-slot for machine guarding, stairs, and perimeters.
Panel Blocks – a mounting option that features an adjustable block to mount panels.
Panel Gaskets – used on one side of the panel to prevent rattling.
Panel Retainer – a retainer acts as an anchor to attach plastic or metal panels to profiles.
Pre-load – to pre-load means to put in all fasteners before captivating the ends.
Profile – a common name to describe t-slot extrusion.
PVC – Polyvinyl chloride is a coating used in lightweight mesh plastic sheeting.
Rollers – wheels mounted directly to the profile’s end or channel.
Roll-in T-nut – roll-in t-nuts load directly into the face of the “T” channel.
Slide-in T-nut – a t-nut that slides in from the end of the profile
Socket Head Cap Screw (SHCS) – machine screws with a barrel-shaped head with a hexagonal socket.
Stanchion – a frame forming support. With t-slot, stanchions are used to hold tubing for an additional axis.
Tensile Strength – also called ultimate strength, is the ratio of maximum load to an original cross-sectional area.
Tolerance – an allowable variation of an object’s weight or hardness.
Triple T-nut – a t-nut with three threaded holes.