Due to the obvious benefits of flexibility and speed of construction
associated with their use, aluminium profile systems have over the last 20 years
or so become the standard method of building special-purpose machines and much
production equipment. However there are still a substantial number of
applications where aluminium is not considered suitable, such as food, some
medical, corrosive and high-temperature environments.
Now item has introduced a new 40x40 stainless-steel profile together with a
range of stainless-steel fasteners and T-slot nuts to suit. The profile consists of two
tightly-toleranced steel sheets 1.5mm thick, which are folded in a continuous
process by a very complex tool, and laser-welded together. The profile has four
further continuous laser welds along the corner webs of the profile - a patented
feature which enhances torsional rigidity and ensures good bending resistance.
Having the mechanical properties of steel makes it suitable for high-temperature
applications of up to 200°C, whereas aluminium starts to lose strength at
temperatures much above 100°C.
Like the aluminium profiles, the steel version has a dished surface which, when
joints are tightened or parts fastened on, acts as an anti-vibration washer. It
also uses its own version of the item Standard-Fasteners and Universal-Fasteners
which provide a large contact area, reducing points of peak stress which can
otherwise result in a fastener starting to loosen. You can go one step further
with the steel profile of course: once the framework is fully configured and
final positions have been established, it is possible to weld the joints in
place, making sure that nothing moves, ever!
Significant sales are expected to food machinery manufacturers who whilst
they do not always welcome T-slots, nevertheless have areas in their machines
where adjustment must be provided. In these areas expensive slotted plates must
at present be used, which are no more hygienic than the far less costly new
stainless-steel profile.
In general, bolt-together aluminium frameworks are non-conductive due to the
anodised surface layer. This is sometimes a problem for users of aluminium
systems. Although well-developed systems such as item have proprietary parts
available for ensuring earth-bonding across all joints, it can be a
time-consuming process fitting them, especially when there are many struts in
the framework. Some systems claim to have conductive joints whereby the anodised
surface is broken to achieve conductivity but, in reality, many of these are
only usually effective when the framework is first put together. In a relatively
short time, natural surface corrosion occurs which is itself non-conductive. Item's new steel profile comprises all-steel fixings which guarantee electrical
conductivity over the longer term.
Aluminium profiles can be quite well suited to harsh environments. Should there
be any scratches or dents, an new protected surface is created by a natural
oxidisation process. Unlike a painted fabricated-steel framework there is no
unsightly rusting. However, some environments do present challenging situations:
because the new item steel profile is made from stainless steel (BS304), it is
particularly suited where use of chemicals is likely to corrode aluminium, or
for offshore and outside applications.
Another property not very often considered is the relative failure modes of
steel and aluminium. Obviously, a properly designed and constructed aluminium
frame ought never give any rise to problems of fatigue. The profile sizes and
numbers of fasteners should always be sufficient to prevent over-stressing.
However, unforeseen circumstances do arise and the mechanical properties of
steel are such that any failure in the profiles will occur long after
significant visible deformation has taken place. So the new stainless-steel
profile may well be better suited to areas where loads are uncertain or
unpredictable, or fatigue is likely to be a problem.
There is little doubt that a properly-constructed aluminium frame looks
superior to a fabricated and painted steel construction, especially after some
years of use, because its anodised surface is easy to clean. However, when
subjected to heavy impact, the anodised layer becomes damaged and attempts to
"repair" the damage are not always sufficiently successful. The new
stainless-steel profile doesn't rely on a special surface layer so scratches and
small dents can easily be polished out.
Naturally, item have ensured that the 8mm T-slot form is very similar to the
that in its Line-8 aluminium series, thus enabling the user to have access to a
very wide range of readily-available compatible parts.
-CATALOGUE
Due to the obvious benefits of flexibility and speed of construction
associated with their use, aluminium profile systems have over the last 20 years
or so become the standard method of building special-purpose machines and much
production equipment. However there are still a substantial number of
applications where aluminium is not considered suitable, such as food, some
medical, corrosive and high-temperature environments.