Modular aluminium frame
 

I'm looking to build a frame around the size of an 80cm cube.

I think a few EFers are quite handy and can give me some tips.

I'm looking to build a frame that is stiff and has as little flex as possible, while being easy to assemble and cheap. So no custom welding of steel.

Are there any standard modular aluminium rods/tube standards that you would recommend? e.g. slotted ones to allow easy joining and bracing?

The frame would need to support a bed and moving gantry weighing <10kg.

I've heard of aluminium T-slot but maybe there is something else? Also, where can I buy this in Switzerland (or any recommended mail order companies). Or any other ideas to make a stiff frame?

Re: Modular aluminium frame
 

Try http://www.haeuselmann.ch, they have a shop in Basel.

They have pretty much any Al extrusion you might want, along with the bits and bobs for joining, and they'll cut the material to length (for a price).

I go in whenever I'm going past. They always have a selection of offcuts at a .kg price. Often you can find what you need for a project in the offcuts, and a nice lump of bronze, brass or free machining steel is something I always keep an eye out for.

Making a CNC machine?

Re: Modular aluminium frame
 

A 3D printer. Though a laser cutter and CNC machine are probably not far away ;)

Re: Modular aluminium frame
 

Fine. So when your partner starts complaining that you go and buy lumps of metal every Saturday, and spend the rest of your time making noise, stinks, and metal shavings in the spare bedroom... I AM NOT TO BLAME!

(You'll love the place.)