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Aluminium T-slot Extrusion

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Building Q&A / FAQ' started by Archie, Oct 12, 2015.

  1. Archie

    Archie Eternal tinkerer

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    Hi Gents,

    I feel like I'm speaking a different language trying to track down a supplier Aluminium T-slot stuff. One place I thought stocked it had a completely different understanding of what I was after!

    In Australia, which Sim builders on here have used the T-slot ALU products and which suppliers do you use?

    Also, what is actual Aussie name for T-slot ALU profile? Some places I ring have no idea what I am talking about, which makes me think I am asking for the wrong thing! You'd think I was asking for photo's of Nessie or Bigfoot, some of the blank responses I am getting :)

    To avoid confusion, this is the stuff I am talking about: :)

    [​IMG]

    Cheers,

    Archie.
    Archie, Oct 12, 2015
    #1
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    Some call them aluminum profiles others extrusions.

    You could go with a major brand like MayTec, which has distributors everywhere, with their main Australian office at: 8/175 James Ruse Drive, Rosehill, NSW 2142, Australia, Ph: 02 9898-9929

    MayTec do have nifty free easy to use 3D design software that automatically does a parts list for you: http://www.may-cad.org/en/p1.htm

    Be prepared for a price shock, profile aluminum is really expensive in Australia, I think when I last looked it was like $500 to replicate the very minimalist base of my compact sim, not including the pedal and wheel mount, which I did not think was worth it.
    • Informative Informative x 1
    noorbeast, Oct 12, 2015
    #2
  3. Archie

    Archie Eternal tinkerer

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    Thanks Noorbeast.

    I was trying to source it locally for the cost reasons, being the heart of BHP Steel and Alloys down here..Alas... it appears unless you are after Colourbond or some horse shoes for ye olde medieval horse and cart, no one knows what the hell I'm talking about :p

    Will check out the CAD software though, might come in handy.... :thumbs
    • Funny Funny x 1
    Archie, Oct 12, 2015
    #3
  4. Nick Moxley

    Nick Moxley Well-Known Member

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    LOL, its not only in Aussie land. I literally called 30+ metal mfg/distributors Locally and VERY few knew what either 80/20, Extruded Aluminum or Aluminum T Slot Actually was. I honestly think 2 out of the 30 said "oh ya that stuff, Ive seen that before"

    It literally is the black market for building material.
    • Funny Funny x 1
    Nick Moxley, Oct 12, 2015
    #4
  5. Archie

    Archie Eternal tinkerer

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    I wonder why it's such a global enigma??? I called one place and his exact words were. "I can't sell that because I don't own the dies for it, it's copyrighted." I wasn't wanting the bloke to "make it" for me, but interesting that it does seem tightly controlled for some reason.
    However, in Europe it seems they are practically tripping over the stuff...

    Cue Twilight Zone music... do de do do...

    And yes @noorbeast, I used the MayTec CAD and my simple rig design in 40x40 came to a BOM of AU$579.... Eek! :eek:

    Time to go back to the drawing board and re-think materials... :rolleyes:
    Archie, Oct 13, 2015
    #5
  6. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    I did warn you!

    The cost of profile aluminium was the reason I went to plain box tube aluminium for my rig. It means more work but was far more reasonable price wise.
    noorbeast, Oct 13, 2015
    #6
  7. tombo

    tombo Active Member

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    Maybe you can check local Solar & Photovoltaik firms? The use similar profiles.
    Maybe this is a cheaper version.
    tombo, Oct 13, 2015
    #7