Aluminium framework system on a smaller scale

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Mar 19, 2001

Montech's newest range of profiles and components for the Quick-Set aluminium framework system may look similar to the existing products, but they are just half the size.

Montech's newest range of profiles and components for the Quick-Set aluminium framework system may look similar to the existing products, but they are just half the size.

The key dimension across the dovetail fastening features for the new Quick-Set Size 20 has been reduced from 40mm down to 20mm, and the main profile is 34mm square.

An extensive range of fastening components and accessories has also been developed, together with adaptors that allow the new profiles to be fastened directly to the larger profiles.

In common with the larger versions, the new profiles exhibit exceptional stiffness due to the efficient design of the cross-section - without T-slots, the profile is stiffer than many comparable profiles.

This high stiffness and resistance to vibration makes the new profiles well suited to applications such as supports for vision system cameras, sensor brackets and guarding.

Small frameworks can also be built with confidence, and the dovetail fixings allow easy repositioning when the profiles are used for jigs and fixtures.

If Quick-Set profiles are being used for mounting instruments such as vision system cameras, it is especially useful that the dovetail fixings are inherently orthogonal.

In other words, it is easy to make adjustments in X, Y or Z without any unwanted twist being introduced; swivel joints can be used to provide rotation if required.

Another benefit of the Quick-Set Size 20 system is that, like the standard system, no holes need to be drilled for fastening the components, and profile ends do not need to be machined square.

This all makes for faster manufacture and easier assembly, especially if the construction is taking place on-site.

But one of the other major advantages of the Quick-Set dovetail fixings is that T-slot nuts are not required.

Whereas these are fiddly to use on standard profiles, for smaller versions T-slot nuts can be infuriating! Design engineers today are more aware of the value of their time than ever before.

Therefore anything that can save that valuable resource is given serious consideration.

Because Quick-Set profiles do not need to be drilled or tapped to make any of the joints, the design time is significantly reduced (no holes to be drawn or dimensioned).

Montech has all of the CAD files available on a CD-Rom or, if you really are pushed for time, the company can prepare drawings based on your sketches.

Taking the process a stage further, Montech UK can also supply frames as a kit of parts, as a flat-packed part-assembled unit, or as a fully-finished framework (or guard, or bracket, or whatever you want).

And don't forget that the Quick-Set Size 20 components are also compatible with Montech's automation components such as grippers, rotary and linear actuators, conveyors, and pallet-transfer systems.