TSLOTS - A Modular Aluminum Structurual Framing System containing numerous components and accessories, used to create just about anything your imagination can think up. TSLOTS is sometimes refered to or known as T-slotted or T-slot type of aluminum framing system. This glossary will help you understand the functions and uses for all the different aluminum accessories. Click on applications on the navigation panel for examples of TSLOTS in action!

0 Degree Pivot Nub: A connecting block that allows attached extrusions to swing 180 degrees parallel to the attached TSlot linear extrusion.

10 Series: Tslotted extrusions in 6 different configurations 1" by 1" up to 2"x4". Comes std in 240 inch lengths.

15 Series: Tslotted extrusions in 12 different configurations 1.5" by 1.5" up to 3" by 6". Comes std in 240 inch lengths.

25 Series: Tslotted extrusions based on 25 milimeter sizes.

40 Series: Tslotted extrusions based on 40 milimeter sizes

45 Degree Support: Pre-cut extrusion assembly with 45 degree miters that add strength to corner connections.

6063 Alloy: Alcan Aluminum alloy used in all TSLOTS extusions and some components. Hardened to T6 temper, offers high strength, excellent machinablity, and when anodized, outstanding aesthetic finish.

90 Degree Joining Plate: Flat connecting plate used to make right angle connections using TSLOTS extrusions.

90 Degree Pivot Nub: A connecting block that allows attached extrusions to swing 180 degrees perpendicular to the attached TSLOT linear extrusion.

Access Hole: Hole specifically located in the TSLOTS that allow access to tighten an end fastener or any other accessory.

Adjustable Hinge: Plastic hinge with adjustable tension between the leaves of the hinge.

Alucobond(TM): Two thin aluminum sheets bonded together with a thermoplastic core, painted on one side, unfinished on the other.

Alumalite(TM) Panels: Super lightweight 6 mm panel ideal for low impact enclosures.

Aluminum Extrusion: Shaped aluminum produced by heating and pressure through a die to form a specific profile. (see www.aec.org for indepth details)

Anchor Fastener: Strong and or adjustable fastener used to join two TSLOTS extrusions at right angles.

Anodizing: The process of applying a thin protective elctrochemical coating used on aluminum surfaces, can be either clear or a specific color.

BHSCS: Button Head Socket Cap Screw

Bushing: Removable cylindrical lining for an opening used to limit the size of an opening, to resist abrasion, or serve as a guide for another object.

Butt Fastener: Strong flush mounted fastener used to join two TSLOTS extrusions end to end.

Chamfer: To bevel off the right angled endge of a corner.

CAD: Computer Aided Design

Clearance Hole: Hole that provides fastener clearance.

Counterbore: Cylindrical flat bottomed hole drilled partially through a TSLOTS extrusion piece.

Countersink: Chamfered screw hole allowing the screw head to remain level with the mounting surface.

Cross Clamp: A stanchion block used to connect two tubes at right angles.

Cross Joining Plate: Pre-drilled flat plate used to connect TSLOTS extrusions that intersect at right angles.

Deburr: To remove a sharp edge from a fabricated or machined surface.

DesignPro: Custom add-in software used in conjunction with Solidworks software, allows quick design of projects using TSLOTS and provides a BOM and pricing.

Deflection Calculator: Finds your approximate deflection for a specific TSLOTS extrusion

Double Flange: A part with two opposing projections used for attachment to other types of surfaces.

Double Mesh Panel Retainer: Anchoring bracket that attaches wire or metal panels to a TSLOTS extrusion.

Double T-Nut: T-Nut containing two threaded holes with centerlines that match those of a joining plate.

Drill Jig: Fixture used for driling perpendicular access holes in TSLOTS aluminum extrusions.

Drop in T-Nut: Comes with or without ball bearings, used to place a threaded receptical quickly into any TSLOTS extrusion while assembled.

End Cap: Plastic cover for the TSLOTS extrusion end.

End Fastener: Connecting clip and screw that provides a clean hidden connection for TSLOTS extrusions.

FBHSCS: Flanged Button Head Socket Cap Screw.

FHSCS: Flat Head Socket Cap Screw

Flange: A rib or area for strength, used for guiding or for attaching to another object.

Flange Mount Caster: Caster that mounts to an adapter plate using pre-drilled flange.

Flat Joining Plate: Pre-drilled plate used to connect TSLOTS extrusions.

Floor Mount Base Plate: Pre-drilled bracket that permits frame anchoring to the floor.

Futura Industries: Manufacturer of TSLOTS aluminum products. A custom aluminum extrusion company located in Clearfield, Utah. Known for being a Reliable and Responsive supplier of aluminum

Gusset: 45 degree angle bracket used to attached TSLOTS extrusions at right angles.

HDPE: High Density Polyethylene. (used in plastic panels)

Inside Corner Bracket: Pre-drilled angle used to connect extrusions at right angles.

Jam Nut: Hex nut used to fix the height position of a threaded leveling foot or caster in the next

Joining plate: Pre-drilled flat plate used to connect TSLOTS extrusions.

Leveling Base Plate: Pre-drilled plaste used to mount both leveling feet and floor anchor bolts to an TSLOTS frame.

Linear Bearing: An attachment that slides inline using the TSLOTS frame as a rail. Nylon is used as the bearing surface, and can be adjusted for snug or loose fit.

Living Hinge: Anchoring block attached to the TSLOTS allowing attached extrusions full 180 degree motion with the TSLOTS.

Locking Grab Handle: A cabinet type latch used for panel doors that lock with a key.

LSCS: Lowhead socket Cap Screw

Mesh Panel: Panel made from wire or plastic to form a wall or partition.

Mesh Panel Retainer: anchoring bracket that attaches wire or metal panels to a TSLOTS extrusion.

Metric Fasteners: Fasteners made for metric thread

Miter Cut: Angled cut using a saw

Mounting Block: Formed aluminum used to hold round pipe or used to connect to a TSLOT.

Nylon: Thermoplastic formed into strong elastic materail, used in linear slide bearings, and wheels.

Nylatron Roller Wheels: Used to guide linear motion, mounts to TSLOTS

Open Access Hole: Specific locations for access hles used to tighten end fasteners for assembly.

OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Panel Mount Block: Adjustable mounting block, used to mount panels to an aluminum TSLOTS extrusions.

Panel Retainer: Anchoring bracket that attaches plastic or metal panels to a TSLOTS extrusion

Pivot Bracket: Flat joining plate that allows an extrusion to pivot 90 degrees or 180 degrees.

PreLoad: Constant tension on a fastener that prevents loosening of the fastener assembly.

Pressure Manifold Plate: Pre-drilled plate used with a gasket to form a pressurized air or fluid chamber inside the cavity of a TSLOTS extrusion.

PVC: Poly Vinyl Chloride, coating used in lightweight mesh plastic sheet.

Right Angle Nub: A connecting block that allows attached extrusions to swing 90 degrees parallel or perpendicular to the attached TSLOTS extrusion.

Rigid Caster: Wheel mounted in such a fashion that it does not allow steering of the wheel when in motion.

Roller Wheel: Wheels made to fit inside the TSLOTS aluminum extrusion and allow the extrusion to become a "rail"

SHCS: Socket Head Cap Screw

Single Flange: Material with one projection used for attachement to other types of surfaces.

Single Tab end Fastener: allows panels to mate in TSLOTS without having to notch panels

Slatwall Panels: Custom groved interlocking aluminum extrusions used to hold literature,signs, shelves etc.

Spring Lock Feature: TSLOTS structural extrusions have a 2 degree taper that sprig locks fasteners as they are tightened.

Stanchion: Block used for mounting round tubes to TSLOTS extrusions.

Threaded Stem Swivel Caster: Steerable wheel mounted to a frame

Swivel Caster: Steerable wheel used to attach to TSLOTS frames

Tap: to machine a female screw thread into metal

T-joining Plate: Pre-drilled flat plate used to connect TSLOTS extrusions that intersect at right angles.

T-Nut: Special threaded flat screw nut that fits into the TSLOTS extrusion.

Triple T-Nut: A T-nut with 3 threaded holes that match up with TSLOTS joining plates.

TSLOTS Covers: plastic strips that fit into the grove of the TSLOTS extrusion. Keeps dust and dirt out.

Uni-Nub: Unviersal Nub, connecting block that allows attached TSLOTS extrusion to swing 180 degrees paralles to the attached mating surface.