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T-nut // WLS_00_M_2174LKJ

00 UTILITIES - Structure | Allround - Mountingrails | T-Nut

"Configurable kitchen elements on wheels with reuse of the elements of the wall system to be fully compatible with universal box-edges"

• Category: Building blocks
• Materials: Sheet materials 3-6mm (Aluminum; PMMA; Multiplex)
• Process: Laser cut, CNC-Milling, 3D printing
• Cycle Time: 120pc/h (60prts in 0.5 hours) when Laser cut
• Software: Onshape, NanoCAD, Inkscape
• Dimensions: L22 mm x Wx12 mm (variable thickness possible)

T-nuts combined with a slot opening make it possible to make non-incremental connections between objects.
This prevents the visual clutter and high precision in all directions required of hole based fasteners.
T nuts are found in the industry but aren’t nearly as standard as a “M6 x 30mm Hex Socket Cap Screw” for example.
With taped holes in steel they can hold heavy loads but all connections require extremely strong connections.
That’s why WLS generated a self-tapping DIY alternative.

This nifty object can be made out of virtually every (sheet) material because only design intent it is the 2D shape.
Material thickness and material type will influence the performance but we found that even 3.6mm multiplex can hold
surprisingly large loads and compression. By tightening a bolt through the hole of the T-nut a tread is formed,
so the only machined operation is cutting away the 2D shape out of any (sheet) material. Since this part is so small
and that it is a functional piece that is used in large quantities sin the project it is a perfect candidate to be used as
“filler” in any cutting plan of the CNC laser cutter or CNC Milling machine.

Often these T-nuts where produced in batches by placing bundles of leftover material on the laser-bed.
Smart openings in the cutting plan make it possible to store these T-nuts as sheets where the nuts themselves can be pressed out when needed.

Links:
      Onshape Document
      File Repository

Building blocks:
     WLS_00_M_217625N - Nut tool
     WLS_00_C_28128EH - Supplier Buy Items
     WLS_00_C_28128C7 - Supplier Raw Materials


The end result