Aluminum profile as a versatile resource for assembling anything. Part 1

Until recently, the T-slot profile was not the most popular, but after it was used in the construction of many models of 3D printers, it appeared everywhere. Now it is used to assemble the same 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines.
In addition, the profile is suitable for the manufacture of workbenches, lighting fixtures, even frames for photographs, if, of course, such an idea arises. Let’s explore the capabilities of the profile a little and see what, in addition to purely building needs, it can be used. The first part deals with the profile and connection features.
Why is the profile convenient?

In general, if you have straight arms, then you can build the necessary structures from anything, including wood, rebar or ordinary aluminum. The good thing about the profile is that it is relatively inexpensive and can be easily modified. All the master needs is a device for cutting a profile and a drill for drilling holes in it. It may also come in handy with an internal threading device – sometimes you need it. With all of this, you can assemble anything from small structures to large-scale systems.
But one profile is not enough – you also need specific parts such as fasteners, nuts, bolts, ties and other accessories. A big plus is the presence of a 3D printer on the farm – many of the necessary elements can be printed independently.
Types of profiles and their features
Speaking of “profile” we mean simultaneously several types of aluminum products with different geometries. The most common profile is in the form of a square or rectangle. The most common type is a profile with a square cross-section, a longitudinal hole in the center and T-shaped slots for “connecting” a variety of objects.

By the way, there are profiles made according to the metric system, and there are – according to the imperial system. The profile (in this case, square) is called by its dimension. For example, a square profile with a side length of 20mm will be called a 20X20 profile. Officially, such a profile is called “aluminum machine profile 20X20”.

Of course, there are other profile shapes, some of which are quite exotic. There are profiles with a semicircular body, there are – with a triangular one. Each form has its own purpose, it all depends on the purpose of the master and the project. An example of such a project is below. Its authors, a married couple, collected a chic table from a profile and chipboard.