T-slot aluminum and steel structural frames — the load-bearing backbone of every modular gravity flow rack system. Standard bay widths, configurable tier heights, and a universal T-slot interface for all lane hardware and accessories.
Frames are built from 40×40, 45×45, and 80×80 series anodized aluminum T-slot extrusion — the industry standard profiles that accept all Modular Solutions lane hardware, dividers, end stops, and accessories through a universal T-nut and M8 bolt connection. The T-slot interface eliminates drilling, welding, and custom brackets for standard accessory attachment.
Welded mild steel frames with powder-coat finish are available for higher load capacities and environments where the additional weight provides stability without floor anchoring. Steel frames are fabricated from rectangular hollow section (RHS) with T-slot channels welded onto the rail surfaces for accessory compatibility with all standard lane hardware.
Standard bay widths of 900mm, 1200mm, and 1500mm cover the container sizes used in the majority of manufacturing and warehouse flow rack applications. Intermediate widths in 50mm increments and non-standard widths are available on request, typically with a 2-week additional lead time.
Frame upright heights from 1000mm to 2400mm are standard. Tier heights within a frame are adjustable in 50mm increments by repositioning the front and rear support rail brackets in the upright T-slot channel. Multi-tier frames share common uprights between tiers — changing the tier height requires only bracket repositioning, not frame replacement.
All Modular Solutions lane hardware — roller track, skate wheel rail, lane dividers, end stops, and accessories — mounts to the frame through a T-nut and M8 bolt connection in the front and rear frame rail T-slot channels. Any lane hardware type can be installed in any bay position on any frame generation without adapter plates or custom brackets.
Frames are available fully factory-assembled or in knock-down flat-pack format for shipping economy. Knock-down frames use captive T-nuts and bolts at all structural joints and assemble with hand tools in under 30 minutes per bay. Assembly instructions and hardware are included with every knock-down shipment.
40×40, 45×45, 80×80 T-slot aluminum; RHS steel option
Anodized aluminum or powder-coated steel
900mm, 1200mm, 1500mm; custom 50mm increments
1000mm to 2400mm standard
50mm increments; bracket repositioning
M8 T-nut and bolt; universal accessory mount
Factory-assembled or flat-pack knock-down
50mm range; standard on all frames
Up to 2000kg distributed per bay (profile dependent)
Complete flow rack frame builds from T-slot extrusion — specifying the frame profile, bay width, tier count, and tier heights — for new manufacturing supermarket or warehouse pick module installations.
Adding additional bays to existing installations using frame profiles compatible with the existing system, sharing uprights at bay joints to minimize total frame component count.
Replacing legacy, non-T-slot, or overloaded frame structures with current T-slot frames that accept all current lane hardware without modification.
Custom frame structures designed to the interface requirements of specific OEM machines, conveyor systems, or AGV lanes where the flow rack must mount to or align with external equipment geometry.
The T-slot series selection depends on load capacity and accessory requirements. 40×40 series is suitable for light to medium loads up to 150kg per bay and provides the lowest cost and weight. 45×45 series supports medium loads up to 400kg per bay and is the most common selection for standard manufacturing supermarkets. 80×80 series is specified for heavy-duty loads over 400kg per bay, wide-span bays over 1200mm, or tall uprights over 1800mm where the larger section modulus provides better deflection resistance.
Yes. Different frame series can be used in the same installation — for example, heavier 45×45 frames for loaded middle tiers and lighter 40×40 frames for lighter upper tiers. All Modular Solutions lane hardware is available in T-nut sizes compatible with both series. When mixing series, confirm that the T-slot channel width and T-nut dimensions are consistent, as 40-series and 45-series use different T-nut widths in some accessory lines.
Additional bays are joined by sharing the upright column at the bay joint. A double-upright joint uses two full uprights side by side at the bay boundary for maximum structural independence. A shared-upright joint uses a single upright with lane hardware from both bays attaching to the same upright on opposite faces, reducing material cost and floor footprint. Modular Solutions specifies the joint type based on load and accessibility requirements.
ANSI MH16.3 recommends that all stationary storage racks be anchored to the floor. Modular Solutions frames include leveling foot base plates with anchor bolt holes for 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch floor anchors. In environments where floor anchoring is not permitted — such as raised access floors or critical process areas — free-standing frames can be assessed for stability based on the loaded weight and the tip-over resistance of the frame geometry.
Both options are available. Factory-assembled frames ship bolted together and are ready to install after setting and leveling. Flat-pack knock-down frames ship in a lower-volume package, reducing freight cost for large installations, and assemble with hand tools using captive hardware. For installations with restricted freight access or elevator constraints, flat-pack is the preferred option. Assembly time is approximately 30 minutes per bay with two people.
Share your bay width, tier count, container height, load per tier, and environment — we will specify the right T-slot profile, upright height, and assembly configuration.
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