Aluminum Extrusion Profiles
Aluminum extrusion profiles are aluminum bars with a constant cross-section, made by pushing heated aluminum through a shaped die. T-slot profiles add a slot along each face so nuts can slide in anywhere and bolt parts on. That makes them a reusable building system for desks, shelves, workbenches and enclosures. Slot & Shaft designs use metric, European-style profiles. Every design comes with a parts list generated from its 3D model.
Compare profile sizes
The number in a profile’s name is its outside size in millimeters (“4040” = 40 × 40 mm). The name doesn’t decide which hardware fits; the slot width does.
| Profile | Size | Slot width | Bolt | Weight per meter | Max cut length | Good for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 20 × 20 mm (0.79 in) | 6 mm | M5 | 0.5 kg/m (0.34 lb/ft) | 4,000 mm (157 in) | Desktop organizers, light frames | MISUMI HFS5-2020 |
| 3030 | 30 × 30 mm (1.18 in) | 8 mm | M6 | 0.9 kg/m (0.60 lb/ft) | 4,000 mm (157 in) | Shelves, carts, enclosures | MISUMI HFS6-3030 |
| 4040 | 40 × 40 mm (1.57 in) | 10 mm | M8 | 1.73 kg/m (1.16 lb/ft) | 4,000 mm (157 in) | Desks, workbenches, tall frames | MISUMI HFS8-4040 |
| 8040 | 80 × 40 mm (3.15 × 1.57 in) | 10 mm | M8 | 3.0 kg/m (2.02 lb/ft) | 4,000 mm (157 in) | Long spans, heavy tops | MISUMI HFS8-4080 |
Slot, bolt, weight and length values are MISUMI’s published figures for the reference profiles listed in the Source column. Other brands’ profiles with the same name can differ.
Why the slot width matters more than the name
Two profiles can both be called “4040” and still take different hardware. Some have an 8 mm slot, others 10 mm (example listing of 8 mm slot 4040 variants). A nut for the wrong slot either won’t go in or won’t hold. It’s an easy mistake when you’re buying parts from several sellers. Slot & Shaft is built to prevent it: the 3D model, the profile and every nut and bolt on the parts list come from the same design data.
How it works
- Pick a project (desk, table, workbench, shelf, enclosure) or describe what you want.
- Set your own size. The 3D model and the parts list update together.
- Get the parts list. Each line is an exact part and length, linked to a US seller.
- Build it yourself, or join the waitlist for a pre-cut kit.
Accessories for aluminum extrusion
Popular projects
- DIY aluminum extrusion desk
- Aluminum extrusion workbench
- 3D printer enclosure
New to extrusion? Read What Is Aluminum Extrusion?
FAQ
What are T-slot aluminum extrusion profiles?
Aluminum bars with one or more slots running their full length. Special nuts slide into the slot so you can bolt brackets, panels or other profiles at any point, and move them later.
Which aluminum extrusion profile should I start with?
For shelves, carts and enclosures, 3030. For desks, workbenches and anything people lean on, 4040. If you’re unsure, open a project, try both sizes, and compare the parts lists.
Are aluminum extrusion profiles from different brands compatible?
Not reliably. Same-named profiles can have different slot widths and slot shapes. Match the slot width, and ideally the brand’s own nut, before mixing parts.
Do you sell aluminum extrusion?
Not directly yet. We design the furniture and generate the parts list, and each line links to a US seller. A pre-cut kit option is coming. Join the waitlist on any project page to hear when it’s available.
Are your profiles metric or inch?
Metric. All dimensions are in millimeters, with inches shown in parentheses.