T slotted (or otherwise) framing non-metallic 3

[Bflo]

I'm in search of non-metallic framing and T slots are the easiest to find in metal form. I looked thru an found an old post here regarding the same thing I'm doing but it's 20 years old so all the links but 1 fail and obviously it's been awhile for new companies to emerge. "I need to build frames and enclosures for test instruments and they must be non electrically conducting, all components. Sizes will vary, 200-2000mm cubed. I know there are products like Bosch and Item aluminium extruded frames and constructor sets. Would there be similar in plastic products? There are plenty of plastic extrusions out there but they are mostly application specific like window frames". It's for a small gantry system.

 

[Doug Hunter]

Must each individual component be non-conductive, or just the entire assembly?

 

[3DDave]

If it's not available through Grainger or McMasterCarr you may be in for some difficulty. I'd look at those places first. You'd mainly be looking for pultruded fiberglass reinforced channels or struts.

 

[Bflo]

Must each individual component be non-conductive, or just the entire assembly?

Hoping to do the whole thing non metallic i.e. glass filled nylon screws/nuts, etc.

 

[Stick.]

Looks like McMaster has a wood and polypropylene composite rail that says it's non-conductive. They also have 2 plastic corner brackets. It doesn't look like there are any non-conductive fasters though, but that might be easier to source another way.

 

[MintJulep]

It's for a small gantry system.

How small is small?

Unistrut has FRP shapes. Not sure about fasteners.

There are many manufacturers of FRP structural shapes.

By way of example: https://nationalgrating.com/

They also have FRP threaded rod and nuts.

 

[Bflo]

Looks like McMaster has a wood and polypropylene composite rail that says it's non-conductive. They also have 2 plastic corner brackets. It doesn't look like there are any non-conductive fasters though, but that might be easier to source another way.

This is awesome and should work. Thanks so much. Now I'm looking for mounting/structural support brackets like the aluminum ones on Misumi but non-metallic.

https://us.misumi-ec.com/vona2/detail/110300437260/?PNSearch=HBLFSN5&HissuCode=HBLFSN5&searchFlow=suggest2products&Keyword=HBLFSN5

https://us.misumi-ec.com/vona2/detail/110300437870/?PNSearch=HBLTD5&HissuCode=HBLTD5&searchFlow=suggest2products&Keyword=HBLTD5&isReSearch=1

 

[MintJulep]

Mounting Angle Brackets EN 561

Explore JW Winco's huge range of products designed to meet your needs. Browse detailed descriptions, specifications, and reviews to find the perfect solution for you.

www.jwwinco.com

Angle Bracket, with Attached Cover Cap, Plastic - Häfele

Connectors Angle Bracket, with Attached Cover Cap, Plastic - Häfele

www.hafele.com

 

[Bflo]

Mounting Angle Brackets EN 561

Explore JW Winco's huge range of products designed to meet your needs. Browse detailed descriptions, specifications, and reviews to find the perfect solution for you.

www.jwwinco.com

Angle Bracket, with Attached Cover Cap, Plastic - Häfele

Connectors Angle Bracket, with Attached Cover Cap, Plastic - Häfele

www.hafele.com

Awesome, thanks. Now T slot nuts are the next thing I'm looking for unless I 3D print or machine them and I can get some glass filled nylon screws or something.

 

[Bflo]

Awesome, thanks. Now T slot nuts are the next thing and double wide brackets/structural brackets/diagonal bracing unless I 3D print or machine them and I can get some glass filled nylon screws or something.

 

[drawoh]

Bflo,

Does it have to be T-slots? A carpenter should easily be able to bang something up for you.

 

[Jboggs]

Fiberglass is a non-conductor, and it is available in standard structural shapes. T-slots would not work well in fiberglass, but it is relatively easy to fabricate using standard methods (drilled holes, aluminum fillet plates, fasteners, etc.)

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

 

[Bflo]

Bflo,

Does it have to be T-slots? A carpenter should easily be able to bang something up for you.

I'm looking at other options than T slot but it would make things a LOT easier.

 

[Jboggs]

My experience from working with t-slotted materials is that in the long run, they just make things more complicated, and actually take more time to complete an assembly. If you have a good drawing and the right tools, standard materials are the way to go. T-slotted structures have their place, and they can look really cool, but not for everything.