Terms & Explanations
Glossary – Terms related to aluminium profiles & joining technology
Welcome to the Spannwerk glossary. Here we explain the most important terms. From the fields of aluminum profiles , mechanical engineering components, and fastening technology – explained simply and clearly. This glossary helps both beginners and professionals find the right components more quickly and understand them better. Use the navigation to jump directly to the terms you are looking for.Jump to: A | B | C | G | K | L | M | N | P | R | S | T | U | V | W
A
Cover cap
A cover cap (also called a protective cap or end cap) is a plastic accessory that covers the open ends of aluminum profiles or connectors. It ensures a clean, flush appearance, protects against dirt and damage, and extends the service life of the profiles. Cover caps are available for various profiles such as 40x40, 80x40, or 80x80, and are usually compatible with 8 mm or 6 mm groove systems.
Aluminum profile
Aluminum profiles – also known as aluminum profiles , machine profiles , or structural profiles – form the basis of almost all modular machine and construction systems. Made of high-quality aluminum, they are lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant. Typical grid sizes are 30 and 40 mm. Spannwerk offers profiles in various dimensions, including 30x30, 60x30, 60x60, 40x40, 80x40, and 80x80. The profiles are compatible with common manufacturers such as Item and Bosch Rexroth. The grooves allow for the flexible attachment of connectors, screws, and accessories.
Automatic connector
An automatic connector (also called a quick connector or slot connector) joins two aluminum profiles quickly and securely – without drilling or threading. It is inserted into the slot , locks automatically, and permanently fixes the profiles. Advantages: quick assembly, high stability, and can be disassembled at any time. Ideal for machine frames, test benches, or modular systems. Available for 8 mm slots in a 40 mm grid.
B
floor element
Floor elements – also called leveling feet, base plates, or machine feet – are used to securely fasten profile structures to the floor. They compensate for uneven surfaces, protect sensitive floors, and increase stability. Variations include rubber feet, disc feet, casters, or height-adjustable leveling feet with threaded rods.
Bosch Rexroth compatible
Many clamping systems are Bosch Rexroth compatible , meaning they can be combined with profiles and accessories from Bosch Rexroth. Typical compatibilities include: 6 mm slot for 30 mm grid spacing, 8 mm slot for 40 mm grid spacing. This allows existing systems or structures to be easily expanded.
C
CAD file
CAD files (e.g., STEP, STL, GLB) are digital 3D models that engineers and designers can integrate into their planning. Spannwerk provides CAD files for many products so that the parts can be used directly in common design software (SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD). The advantage: time savings and precise planning.
G
joint
A joint connects two profiles in a way that allows for movement and adjustable angles. It is frequently used in protective enclosures, frames, or structures where flexibility is required.
threaded rod
Threaded rods (e.g., M12, M14, M16) are used as fasteners, for example, to screw on leveling feet or to connect multiple components. They are galvanized, corrosion-protected, and available in various lengths.
K
Edge protection
The edge protector (also called profile cover or protective profile) is attached to the open edges of aluminum profiles. It prevents injuries, protects cables from abrasion, and ensures a clean design.
L
Length (profile cut)
Aluminum profiles are supplied in standard lengths of 6,000 mm. Spannwerk offers a cutting service: Each profile is cut to the customer's exact specifications, down to the millimeter. A cutting loss of approximately 1 mm per cut is taken into account. This allows customers to use perfectly fitting profiles directly.
M
Mechanical engineering profile
Machine construction profiles are aluminum profiles with a special groove geometry, used for constructing machine frames, fixtures, test benches, and protective enclosures. They are modular, stable, and versatile. Typical: 8 mm grooves in a 40 mm grid.
Magnetic closure
A magnetic closure securely holds doors, flaps, or panels closed using magnetic force. It is used in aluminum profile constructions and ensures easy operation without additional latches or locks.
N
Slot (e.g. slot 6, slot 8, slot 10)
The groove is the characteristic rail of an aluminum profile. It serves as a receptacle for screws, connectors, and accessories. Typical grooves:
- Slot 6 → compatible with grid 30 (e.g. 30x30 profile)
- Slot 8 → compatible with grid 40 (e.g. 40x40, 80x40 profile)
- Nut 10 → compatible with 45/50 grid (heavier constructions)
P
Profile (e.g. 40x40, 80x40, 80x80)
Profiles – also known as aluminum profiles , construction profiles , or Item profiles – are standardized aluminum bars that offer different applications depending on their dimensions and groove size. Examples: 40x40 mm, 80x40 mm, 80x80 mm. Variants: UL (Ultralight), L (Light), S (Heavy).
R
Grid dimension
The grid dimension describes the basic dimensions of profiles, e.g., 30 mm, 40 mm, or 60 mm. All parts within a grid are compatible. Synonyms: system dimension , pitch dimension .
S
Adjustable foot
An adjustable leveling foot (also called a machine foot or leveling foot) is used to level structures. It is screwed in via a threaded rod and can be adjusted in height and tilt. Variants include: rubber feet, steel feet, stainless steel feet, with or without tilt compensation.
Heavy-duty profile
A heavy-duty profile (S) is a particularly strong aluminum profile designed for high loads. Typical applications include machine foundations, testing equipment, and load-bearing frames.
T
T-nut
A T-slot nut (also called a T-nut or insertion nut) is inserted into the groove of a profile and serves as a fastening point for screws or accessories. It is indispensable for almost every connection in the aluminum profile system.
U
Ultralight profile (UL)
An ultralight (UL) profile is a weight-reduced version of an aluminum profile. It saves material, is less expensive, and easier to work with. Applications: lightweight racks, covers, or unloaded frames.
V
connector
Connectors – also called nodes, joints, or corner connectors – join aluminum profiles together. Variants include: automatic connectors , butt connectors, angle connectors, and corner connectors. They are specifically designed to fit the profile groove sizes and ensure a secure and stable construction.
W
Angle brackets
An angle bracket firmly joins two profiles at a 90° angle. It is usually screwed together and is used in frame constructions, protective enclosures, or machine modules. Synonyms: corner connector , angle piece .