T-nut is a special fastener that looks like the letter "T". It usually consists of a threaded hole in the middle and wing plates (or T-shaped heads) on both sides. It is a standard part designed to match specific structures such as T-slots and dovetail grooves.
Product introduction
T-nut is a special fastener that looks like the letter "T". It usually consists of a threaded hole in the middle and wing plates (or T-shaped heads) on both sides. It is a standard part designed to match specific structures such as T-slots and dovetail grooves. It is the core component to achieve modularization, rapid assembly and flexible adjustment. Its core working principle is: slide the T-shaped head of the nut into the T-shaped groove of the equipment workbench or aluminum profile. The T-shaped head will reverse at a certain angle in the groove and be stuck, making it unable to fall off from the groove, but it can slide freely along the length of the groove. When the matching screws are tightened, the wings of the nut will fit tightly against the inside of the groove wall, generating a strong clamping force to firmly fix the object on the table. This product is mainly divided into two categories: ordinary T-nuts and elastic T-nuts. The latter is equipped with slots and springs, which can automatically compensate for slot width tolerances and make installation more convenient. T-nuts are widely used in machine tool workbenches, mold pressure plates, automation equipment frames (especially aluminum profile structures), production line tooling and other scenarios. It provides an efficient, reliable and economical solution for connection needs that require frequent position adjustment and quick disassembly and assembly. It is an indispensable basic component in modern industrial manufacturing and equipment construction.
Product features
1. Flexible sliding positioning and quick installation
This is its most fundamental feature. The head of the T-nut can slide directly into the T-slot of the equipment workbench or industrial aluminum profile, and can move anywhere in the slot. This enables stepless adjustment and rapid positioning of the connected parts in the linear direction without pre-drilling, which greatly improves assembly efficiency and flexibility.
2. Strong pull-out resistance and load-bearing capacity
Once installed and the bolts are tightened, the T-nut's wide wings snap tightly against the inner wall of the T-slot, spreading the load over a larger contact area. This design provides excellent pullout resistance (prevention of being pulled out) and shear resistance, ensuring a stable and safe connection, and is especially suitable for withstanding vertical forces.
3. Diverse types to suit different needs
Mainly divided into two types to meet different scenarios: Ordinary T-type nuts: Strong structure, providing maximum load-bearing strength, suitable for heavy-load situations. Elastic T-nut: With spring arms on one or both sides, it can automatically compensate for slot width tolerances. It does not require precise alignment during installation. It can be clicked into the slot by pressing by hand. It is especially suitable for rapid assembly of aluminum profiles and provides a better installation experience.
4. Reusable and easy to maintain
When it's time to adjust the layout or disassemble the equipment, simply loosen the bolt and slide the T-nut out of the slot or move it to a new location. This reusability and easy adjustment feature greatly reduces the cost and time of maintenance and modification.
Product application
1. Machine tool equipment and mold fixing
This is the most classic application of T-nuts. It is widely used on the workbench of machining centers, milling machines, grinders, stamping machines and other equipment. By inserting the T-shaped nut into the T-shaped slot of the workbench and sliding it to the desired position, in conjunction with the T-shaped bolt and pressure plate, the mold, workpiece or fixture can be quickly and firmly clamped to achieve rapid adjustment and fixation of the processing position.
2. Industrial aluminum profile frame structure
In automation equipment, machine covers, workbenches, shelves and conveyor lines built from lean tubes/industrial aluminum profiles, T-nuts (especially elastic T-nuts) are indispensable connectors. It can be directly inserted into the groove of the profile and used to install almost all accessories such as panels, hinges, casters, sensor brackets, etc. It is the core foundation for modular construction.
3. Production line tooling and welding fixtures
In automobile manufacturing and assembly production lines, tooling plates, positioning blocks and clamps that require frequent adjustments generally use T-shaped slot platforms with T-shaped nuts. This allows engineers to quickly reconfigure production line layouts as product models change.
4. Testing equipment and display equipment
The platforms of coordinate measuring machines and large inspection fixtures usually have T-shaped slots for fixing the workpiece to be measured. Similarly, this design is also used in the metal structures of some high-end showcases and display racks to facilitate flexible adjustment of the position of the display panels.
FAQ
Q: What must T-nuts be used with?
A: It must be used with the following two: Base body with T-slot: such as machine tool workbench, industrial aluminum profile. Fastening bolts: usually T-bolts or flange bolts, which pass through the top of the fixed part and are screwed into the nut.
Q: What is the difference between ordinary T-nuts and elastic T-nuts? How do I choose?
A: The main difference lies in the ease of installation and applicable scenarios: Ordinary T-type nuts: simple and solid structure, highest load-bearing strength. When installing, you need to slide it in from the end of the T-shaped slot. It is suitable for heavy-load situations with high strength requirements, such as mold fixing. Elastic T-shaped nut: with slots and spring blades, capable of elastic deformation. It can be directly pressed in from any position in the slot without introducing it from the end, making installation extremely convenient. It is mainly used for frame connection of industrial aluminum profiles and can automatically compensate for slot width tolerances.
Q: Can T-nuts be reused?
A: Yes, this is one of its main advantages. After loosening the bolt, the nut can be removed from the slot or moved to a new position, which greatly facilitates the adjustment and modification of the equipment.