T-Slot

Please go to Category: T-Slot for the full list. Thank you.

"T-Slot" is a type of Beam made from extruded aluminum.

Flexlink XC Bot. See XCbot.

ExtrudedSamBot. This image via EMCRepStrap. This is SamBot, Probably a metric extruded aluminum machine. See Extruded Aluminum#Metric for more details.

<flickr>4379919116|thumb| T-Slot Based 3D Replicator. See T-Rep. </flickr>

3Drag printer. See 3drag.

This page is dedicated to the creation of a 3D Replicator with a frame based on T-slotted framing. Here is an excellent source of these materials: http://8020.net/T-Slot-1.asp

We feel that the desire to self replicate has been holding back the RepRap device from gaining wider acceptance and also attaining higher performance levels coupled with greater versatility. Ideally a T-Slot Replicator will be multi-tool enabled with support for FDM, Shape Deposition Manufacturing, CNC_Mill Spindles, Pick and Place and possibly other tools like lasers and Laser Cutters. We also would like to see more versatile and off the shelf solutions for the electronics as few are willing or capable of creating their own boards. Lastly, the software needs to be more plug and play so that less time is spent installing, configuring and tweaking. See also Development Pathway

If you are interested in this project, please share your thoughts and designs here.

Development Pathway

This page will eventually fork into a tree of different webpages. That will include SamBot, HydraBot, My Extruded Aluminum RepStrap, My Extruded Aluminum Laser Cutter, and so on. But right now, all the action is on this webpage.

kinds of T-slot

VSlot: Metric Extrusion with built in Linear Rails

• http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/openrail/openbuilds-v-slot
• http://openbuildspartstore.com/
• http://www.3ders.org/articles/20130323-open-source-v-slot-linear-framing-system-fully-funded-on-kickstarter.html
• http://www.openbuilds.com/OpenBuilds_Store/openbuilds-news/openbuilds-v-slot-coming-soon

fischertechnik aluminum beams look similar to MakerBeam. See FTIStrap.

fischertechnik: you can get extruded aluminum versions of some fischertechnik parts

• Builders/FTIStrap

80/20 beams: typically used for machines larger than a refrigerator

• T-Slot beams in a variety of profiles, from 20mm x 20mm to 45mm x 45mm. See Wikipedia: 80/20 framing systems.
• http://8020inc.net/
• How much does extruded aluminum cost? http://www.flomoco.com/8020_flomoco.html has Sketchup libraries to make virtual models out of 80/20, and a Instant Quote to estimate how much it costs to convert that virtual model into reality.
• "Another CNC machine?" points out a couple of lower-cost sources of 80/20 beams.

MakerBeam: typically used for small desktop models

• 10mm X 10mm profile T-Slot style building system.
• http://www.evilmadscientist.com/article.php/makerbeam
• http://www.evilmadscientist.com/article.php/makerbeamhere

OpenBeam

• 15mm X 15mm profile T-Slot style building system.
• Make: OpenBeam Miniature T-slot Framing System
• Kickstarter: OpenBeam - An open source miniature construction system
• OpenBeamUSA at Tam Labs
• Rostock mentions a possibility of using OpenBeam in combination with OpenRail
  • Kickstarter: Open Rail Open Source Linear Bearing System; OpenRail.net

MicroRAX

• 10mm X 10mm profile T-Slot style building system.
• http://www.microrax.com/

RobotDigg

• 2020 Aluminum Extrusions
• http://www.robotdigg.com/product/225/2020-Aluminum-Extrusion-in-Lengths

Misumi (metric)

• HFS5 20x20mm 5-series t-slot extrusion
• HFS5 20x40mm 5-series t-slot extrusion
• HFS5 20x60mm / 20x80mm 5-series t-slot extrusion
• HFSQN4-1070 10x70mm 5-series t-slot extrusion
• HBLFSL5 Low cost bracket for 5-series t-slot extrusion
• HNKK5-3 Low cost M3 t-slot nuts for 5-series t-slot extrusion
• HNKK5-5 Low cost M5 t-slot nuts for 5-series t-slot extrusion

Makeralot

• 2020 T Slotted Aluminium Extrusion
• 2020 V Slotted Aluminium Extrusion
• 2040 V Slotted Aluminium Extrusion
• 2060 V Slotted Aluminium Extrusion
• 2080 V Slotted Aluminium Extrusion