Sometimes it is difficult to understand the different sizes of aluminum extrusion we can work with, especially when it is your first project.
What sizes and lengths are available?
In this guide you can find the different types, sizes and dimensions of the profiles explained in the simplest and most visual way possible.
All dimensions of aluminum extrusions
There are different profile sizes depending on what you need for your project.
We have profiles of 20, 30, 40mm and even other sizes. Depending on what size of profile you choose, the cost, size, stiffness and weight will also depend, so choosing the right profile for your project is important.
Profile series
The main measurement of the profile is called series, the size to which it belongs.
The most common profile series are 20, 30 and 40mm:
Series 20mm
Series 30mm
Series 40mm
There are also other types of profiles such as 45mm profiles (for industrial use), half profiles, etc.
External dimensions of the profile
Within the same series, we find different profile sizes, which are multiples of the series.
For example, in the 40mm series, we could have the single profile (40x40mm), double (40x80mm) or even triple or quadruple profiles like the ones we show you:
Profile 40x40mm
Profile 40x80mm
Profile 40x120mm
Profile 40x160mm
Other profile dimensions
Each type of aluminum extrusion, regardless of the size, external, also has other measurements such as that of the groove or that of the threaded hole of its core:
- Slot size: The width of the slots is key to choosing compatible accessories. Common slot sizes include 6 mm, 8 mm and 10 mm.
- Threaded hole size: Some profiles include ready tapped holes to facilitate the connection of parts or the assembly of structures. The size of the tapped hole varies according to the type of profile.
Profile types according to the manufacturer
Depending on the manufacturer, there are different types of profiles (with different standard sizes, different groove sizes, different threaded holes…).
Each manufacturer chooses a standard for its profiles, the most common are:
- V-Slot type: The advantage of this profile is that in addition to being a structural profile, it has a V-slot that can be used with nylon wheels to create a linear axis without the need for more components (linear guides, shafts, etc). Available on our website.
- Type B, the most popular type and the one we use at Bitfab Parts
- Type I, another popular type of profile.
The brand of each of the manufacturers cannot be mentioned because each one has trademarks to protect their products, hence generic terms such as type-B or type-I are used in the industry.
The dimensions of each type are as follows:
Aluminum profile 20mm
| Slot | Thread | |
|---|---|---|
| Type B | 6 | M6 |
| Type I | 5 | M5 |
| V-Slot | 6 | M5 |
Aluminum profile 30mm
| Slot | Thread | |
|---|---|---|
| Type B | 8 | M8 |
| Type I | 6 | M6 |
Aluminum profile 40mm
| Slot | Thread | |
|---|---|---|
| Type B | 10 | M12 |
| Type I | 8 | M8 |
What are the lenghts of aluminum extrusion
The standard length of aluminum profiles varies by manufacturer and application. Generally, available lengths can be up to 6 meters, although it is common to find profiles of more manageable lengths.
In the Bitfab Parts store, we offer profiles with lengths up to 1.5 meters, to be shipped smoothly and in the shortest time to Spain and Europe.
The weight of the profiles
Depending on the size and length of the profiles, you may also need to know their weight to see how much the structure will weigh.
We have an article dedicated exclusively to that that can help you:
How much does aluminum profile weigh?
Extruded aluminum profile is one of the lightest and most versatile systems available for building structures and machinery.
Here is a technical article in which we give you:
- All the data on how much our profile weighs
- How you can calculate the mass of different cross-sections, materials and lengths yourself
Need more information?
If you have any questions about the profile measurements you can leave them in the comments and we will help you with them.
For your projects, we are an online aluminum profile store and you can consult the profiles and accessories we have, or ask us for help in our contact form.
We are at your disposal for any questions you may have!