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Thread: Self locking aluminum extruded U channels

  1. #1
    anthony_annicchiarico
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    Self locking aluminum extruded U channels

    Hi,

    I am looking for some designs of self locking extrusion profiles.
    I might like to self lock 2 U channels made out of the same profile.
    Picture attached, this was the initial basic design without locking but for cost contraints self locking would make the trick. CAD problem so I did a quick sketch (dimensions are in millimetres)

    Thanks a lot for your kind help
    IMG_3246.JPG

  2. #2
    Technical Fellow Kelly_Bramble's Avatar
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    Lock or locate together? What material?
    Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.

  3. #3
    Principle Engineer
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    Why not use rectangular tubing?

  4. #4
    anthony_annicchiarico
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    @Hudson

    This is an enclosure which will contain a device which is higher than the profile. Some holes will be machined on top and bottom to let the pinion axis of the device go through. So it will case no tubing can make it.
    We tried with steel plates but the result is quite ugly unless we laser cut the plates but price is too high.

  5. #5
    Technical Fellow Kelly_Bramble's Avatar
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    Something kind of like this? Extrusions like symmetrical geometries to avoid distortions but something close could work.

    locking-channel.png
    Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.

  6. #6
    anthony_annicchiarico
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    @Kelly Bramble

    Yes if in can be locked together by pressing on both U channel by hand by a lady (my subcontractor is having a majority of ladies), this could do. But am scared that this might require a big effort.

  7. #7
    Technical Fellow Kelly_Bramble's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by anthony_annicchiarico View Post
    @Kelly Bramble

    Yes if in can be locked together by pressing on both U channel by hand by a lady (my subcontractor is having a majority of ladies), this could do. But am scared that this might require a big effort.
    Proper clearance and applicable tolerances and you're there - geometrically something similar will work as well. Match the manufacturing process capability to the clearance require for a ladies sliding fit and it's cheap as well.
    Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.

  8. #8
    anthony_annicchiarico
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    @Kelly Bramble,

    Thanks a lot for your help.
    We are working out something based on your suggestion and a few docs we found on the net for plastic self locking actually it is called snap-lock or snap-fit. It should do for alu as well.

    Will try to post some pics when we will have the product in hands.

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