2020 and 2040 aluminum profiles are lightweight T-slot extrusions in the 20mm metric series, featuring continuous 6mm V-slots on all four sides. The profiles accept M5 T-nuts, sliding nuts and brackets for tool-free modular assembly, making them the standard building blocks for desktop 3D printers, small CNC machines, laser engravers and robotics frames.
We export 2020/2040 profiles in 6063-T5 aluminum with clear or black anodized finishes, in standard 3m and 6m lengths or cut-to-length. Popular with makers, educational institutions and small-scale equipment manufacturers across Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa and North America.
Table of Contents
- What are 2020 / 2040 Aluminum Profiles?
- 2020 / 2040 Profile Specifications
- 2020 / 2040 Profile Weight Chart
- Key Features of 20-Series T-Slot Profiles
- Applications of 2020 / 2040 Profiles
- Compatible Accessories
- 2020 / 2040 T-Slot Profiles Aluminum Profile Export Markets
- 6063-T5 T-Slot Standards & Equivalent Grades
- 2020 / 2040 Profiles Aluminum Profile Supply & Packing
- Frequently Asked Questions
What are 2020 / 2040 Aluminum Profiles?
2020 and 2040 aluminum profiles are T-slot extrusions in the 20-series metric system. The first two digits indicate the profile width (20 mm), and the last two digits indicate the length (20 mm for 2020, 40 mm for 2040). These profiles feature continuous T-slots on all four sides for modular assembly using T-nuts, brackets and connecting plates.
20-series profiles use a 6 mm slot width and accept M5 T-nuts and bolts. They are the lightest standard T-slot profiles, widely used for desktop 3D printers, small CNC routers, laser engravers, light robotics frames and prototyping jigs. The profiles are typically extruded from 6063-T5 aluminum with a clear or black anodized finish.
2020 / 2040 Profile Specifications
Slot Width: 6 mm T-slot (6.2 mm actual) for M5 T-nuts and hammer nuts
Center Hole: Ø4.2 mm for M5 tapped connections
Material: 6063-T5 aluminum, anodized 10 – 15 µm
Tolerance: ±0.2 mm per EN 755-9
| Application / Type | Cross-Section (mm) | Wall Thickness (mm) | Temper |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 V-slot profile | 20×20 mm, 6 mm slot | 1.5 – 2.0 mm | T5, T6 |
| 2040 V-slot profile | 20×40 mm, 6 mm slot | 1.5 – 2.0 mm | T5, T6 |
| 2060 V-slot profile | 20×60 mm, 6 mm slot | 1.5 – 2.0 mm | T5, T6 |
| 2080 V-slot profile | 20×80 mm, 6 mm slot | 1.5 – 2.0 mm | T5, T6 |
Standard extrusion profiles. Custom cross-sections, lengths and surface finishes available on request.
2020 / 2040 Profile Weight Chart
| Profile | Cross-Section Area (mm²) | Weight (kg/m) | Weight per 6 m (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 profile (light) | 165 | 0.446 | 2.67 |
| 2020 V-slot (standard) | 195 | 0.526 | 3.16 |
| 2040 profile | 330 | 0.891 | 5.35 |
| 2040 V-slot | 390 | 1.053 | 6.32 |
| 2060 profile | 495 | 1.337 | 8.02 |
| 2080 profile | 660 | 1.782 | 10.69 |
Weight (kg/m) = cross-section area (mm²) × density (g/cm³) ÷ 1000. Theoretical values for sharp-cornered sections; actual weight varies with corner radii and tolerance.
Key Features of 20-Series T-Slot Profiles
- Modular Assembly: Four-sided T-slots allow unlimited configuration without welding or drilling
- M5 Compatible: Slots accept M5 T-nuts, sliding nuts, hammer nuts and drop-in nuts
- V-Slot Design: V-groove on slot faces guides linear bearings and wheels for smooth motion
- Lightweight: 2020 weighs ~0.5 kg/m, ideal for desktop machines and portable frames
- Anodized Finish: 10 – 15 µm clear or black anodizing provides corrosion resistance and wear protection
- Easy to Machine: Soft 6063-T5 aluminum drills and taps easily for mounting holes
Applications of 2020 / 2040 Profiles
- 3D Printers: Desktop FDM printer frames (CoreXY, Cartesian, Delta kinematics)
- CNC Routers & Engravers: Small CNC mills, laser cutters, pen plotters
- Robotics: Robot arms, mobile robot chassis, gripper frames
- Camera Rigs: Slider rails, gimbals, multi-axis stabilizers
- Prototyping Jigs: Test fixtures, assembly jigs, measurement frames
- Electronics Enclosures: Equipment racks, control panel frames
- Educational Projects: STEM kits, maker projects, university lab setups
Compatible Accessories
- Fasteners: M5 T-nuts (sliding, drop-in, hammer), M5×8/10/12/16 button-head screws
- Brackets: 90° corner brackets, 3-way corner cubes, gusset plates, L-brackets
- Linear Motion: V-slot wheels (Delrin, polycarbonate), MGN9 / MGN12 linear rails
- End Caps: Square end caps, hinged end caps (for cable routing)
- Feet & Levelers: M5 threaded leveling feet, rubber pads
- Connectors: T-slot joiners, splice plates, hinge joints
2020 / 2040 T-Slot Profiles Aluminum Profile Export Markets
We export 2020 / 2040 T-Slot Profiles aluminum profiles (also written "aluminium profiles") in standard lengths (3m, 6m) or cut-to-length on FOB, CFR and CIF terms. Main destinations and typical uses:
- Southeast Asia – Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong), Malaysia (Port Klang), Thailand (Laem Chabang), Indonesia (Jakarta, Surabaya), Philippines (Manila): 3D printer kits, small CNC routers, robotics education and maker spaces.
- North America – Mexico (Manzanillo, Veracruz): desktop CNC machines, prototyping jigs and electronics enclosures.
- Middle East – UAE (Jebel Ali), Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, Dammam), Israel (Haifa, Ashdod): 3D printer frames, camera sliders and robotics projects.
- Africa – Nigeria (Lagos), South Africa (Durban): educational STEM kits, maker projects and light automation frames.
6063-T5 T-Slot Standards & Equivalent Grades
| System | Designation / Standard |
|---|---|
| Alloy | 6063-T5 aluminum per ASTM B221 |
| EN | EN AW-6063 (AlMg0.7Si) |
| GB (China) | 6063-T5 per GB/T 5237 |
| JIS | A6063 |
| Anodizing | MIL-A-8625 Type II, 10 – 15 µm |
| Extrusion standards | ASTM B221, EN 755-2 (properties), EN 755-9 / EN 12020 (tolerances), JIS H4100 |
| China standards | GB/T 6892 (industrial profiles), GB/T 5237 (architectural profiles) |
2020 / 2040 Profiles Aluminum Profile Supply & Packing
- Standard Lengths: 3 meters, 6 meters, or cut-to-length up to 6m
- Custom Extrusion: Custom cross-sections, slots, holes and machining available (tooling charge applies)
- Surface Finish: Mill finish, anodized (clear, silver, black, gold, bronze), powder coated (RAL colors), electrophoresis
- Packing: Profiles wrapped in protective film, bundled with corner protectors, shrink-wrapped or in wooden crates for export
- Documents: Mill test certificate (EN 10204 3.1), certificate of origin, material compliance declaration
- MOQ: 500 kg per profile for standard extrusions; 1 – 3 tons for custom tooling orders
- Lead time: 15 – 25 days for standard profiles; 30 – 40 days for custom extrusions (including tooling)
- Terms: FOB, CFR, CIF; payment by T/T or L/C
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 2020 and 2040 aluminum profiles?
2020 is a 20×20 mm square profile; 2040 is 20×40 mm rectangular. Both use the same 6 mm slot width and M5 fasteners. 2040 is stiffer along its long axis and often used for gantry beams and Y-axis rails in CNC and 3D printer builds.
What does "V-slot" mean?
V-slot refers to the V-shaped groove machined into the slot face. It acts as a track for V-profile wheels (Delrin or polycarbonate wheels with bearings), allowing smooth linear motion for CNC gantries, 3D printer carriages and camera sliders.
Can I tap the center hole for M5 screws?
Yes. Most 20-series profiles have a Ø4.2 mm center hole that can be tapped M5 for end-to-end connections or mounting brackets. Use a spiral-flute M5 tap for aluminum; the soft 6063-T5 alloy taps easily.
What length should I order for a 3D printer frame?
Common 3D printer builds use 300 – 500 mm lengths for desktop printers (Prusa-style, CoreXY). Order 3-meter or 6-meter stock profiles and cut them to your exact frame dimensions with a miter saw or chop saw.
Is black or clear anodizing better?
Both provide the same corrosion and wear protection. Black anodizing hides scratches and fingerprints better, giving a finished look for commercial products. Clear anodizing shows the natural aluminum silver color, preferred for a clean industrial aesthetic.
Related Grades
Standard Aluminum Profiles
Off-the-shelf angles, channels, tubes and bars for immediate delivery
3030 / 3060 T-Slot Aluminum Profiles
Medium-duty T-slot extrusions for CNC tables and automation frames
45-Series T-Slot Aluminum Profiles
Heavy-duty T-slot extrusions for industrial CNC and automation
6061 Aluminum Profiles
High-strength heat-treatable extrusion alloy for structural applications
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