Tips for interesting projects from aluminum profiles

What the project is for:

You can build upgraded frames for 3D printers from aluminum profiles. This will reduce the weight of the original structure, which is usually made of steel. Another reason may be the increase in the size of the frame and thus the space for printing larger prints.

How it works:

In addition to aluminum profiles, you will need linear rods, screws and acrylic side panels to make the frame. Of course, the dimensions and exact layout of the new frame depends on which 3D printer you will be building the new frame for.

What the project is for:

In many visions of the future, the sky is littered with flying drones. Maybe it really will happen. But one of the reasons holding back the boom of drones is the low range. In order to increase the distance from the starting position of the drone to the target station, it is necessary to ensure the possibility of a longer range. And that's why the idea came to make a design for a charger for drones that could charge the drone or change its battery.

How it works:

The structure is designed so that a drone can land on it. Stepper motors and movable arms ensure the possibility of replacing the battery. It sounds quite simple, but the fact is that it will be a bit more complicated than if human hands took over. The structure will need to be large enough for a drone to land on. The electronic arms move the drone to the center of the structure and then replace its battery.

What the project is for:

Watching TV or playing games on a game console are not typical activities you would do outdoors. The main reason is that you won't be able to see much on a classic LCD TV in direct sunlight. This DIY project came with instructions on how to build an aluminum profile structure that would fit a large upgraded LCD TV with accessories.

How it works:

The LCD panel does not produce any light, but works as a filter for the backlight (LED lights). The basic step was to create a new backlight from highly efficient LED lights. But these lights generate a lot of heat, so it is necessary to add cooling to the back of the aluminum sheet (in this project, assembled from a cooling system from a car radiator, a small water pump and transparent plastic pipes). All this is built into the construction of aluminum sheet, aluminum profiles and acrylic back panel. To protect the LCD panel, it is glued on tempered glass.

What the project is for:

Aluminum profiles are often used for various constructions, thanks to their variability. But the creativity of the do-it-yourselfer can come across a small selection of aluminum profile connectors. Most often on the market you will find connectors for a 90° angle, to a lesser extent connectors in angles of 30°, 40° and 60° are also available. But how many times you will look for connectors in atypical angles in vain in the store. A 3D printer can help you solve this problem.

How it works:

If you do not manage to find a ready-made design for a connector model for printing on a 3D printer in the dimensions you want on the Internet, you will have to build it yourself in a specialized computer program (CAD). Then it is necessary to print the design on a 3D printer and use it to join different aluminum profiles at an atypical angle.

What the project is for:

Every good DIYer cannot do without a vice. In this case, the aluminum profile will serve as a simple construction for the vise. You can print the levers that will hold the object on a 3D printer.

How it works:

Since printing the levers for the vise is not very time consuming, you can print multiple levers and vary them depending on the size of the object you want to clamp. The levers are equipped with grooves so that they can hold the object firmly and not slip out of them.

What the project is for:

Photography equipment and accessories can sometimes be quite expensive. And if you're a beginner photographer, or you just don't want to invest in expensive equipment, you can make a camera slider at home. It will be just as functional as the store-bought one, and its production is not complicated at all. The slider, which you can use for cameras and smaller cameras, will ensure that the shots are perfectly smooth and the photos are sharp. And it's also storable, so you can take it with you on your travels.

How it works:

To make the slider you will need aluminum profiles for the frame, and in addition to small parts (such as screws and nuts) also parts that you can print on a 3D printer: a sliding plate and bearing spacers pads (see the link below for printing instructions). Assembling a slider is neither complicated nor time-consuming, so you can easily handle it even without previous experience.

What the project is for:

We have probably all thought at some point that we would need an inflatable car to fit everything we want to pack for the trip. A car trailer will be a practical solution.

How it works:

In addition to the aluminum profiles that will serve as the structure, you will also need other accessories such as wooden boards (for the floor of the trailer), screws, bearings, tires, etc. You can also print some parts on a 3D printer. For more detailed information, including a specific list of required components and parts, please refer to the link below.

What the project is for:

The phone holder, complete with elastic rubber, is designed to be suitable for holding a light phone, but can also handle a heavier tablet or camera.

How it works:

For example, you can attach the holder to the front of the 3D printer, which gives you the best viewing angle. The construction system is assembled in such a way that it can be easily removed and snapped into place by simply snapping into the aluminum profiles.

Parts you will need to build the mount include: rubber, nuts, bolts, aluminum profiles, and 3D printed parts.

What the project is for:

If you are one of those handymen who have to do without their own workshop or basement, a hand vise may come in handy. Its advantages are that it is small, light, storable, you will always have it at hand and it is easily portable. Assembling a manual vise is not complicated at all, so even DIY beginners can dare to do it.

How it works:

The main material you will need is an aluminum profile, which you cut to the required size. You can find a list of other components such as screws, rubber washers, brass inserts, etc. in the detailed description of the project in the link below. You can clamp small parts and parts that you need to repair in the vise.

What the project is for:

Thanks to the fact that aluminum is one of the stronger materials, you can use it to build a structure even under things that have more weight, such as an aquarium.

How it works:

You can have the aluminum profiles cut or you can cut them yourself to the dimensions according to your aquarium and assemble them together. If you only need a pedestal for the aquarium, complete the top with a solid wooden board and you're more or less done. But the frame is also great for storing the filter system and various accessories for the aquarium. The lower part of the frame can be supplemented with legs, and if you use wheels, you will ensure easier moving of the aquarium. Another option is to supplement the frame with boards from the side, which you can paint, including the aluminum profiles, in the desired color, or perhaps install LED lighting.

What the project is for:

Variable – this is a word that is often used when aluminum profiles are used. And it is no different with the modular table, which you can assemble easily using aluminum profiles. This way you can make an office desk or perhaps a desk for the workshop.

How it works:

The dimensions of the table are purely up to your needs, the structure needs to be supplemented with a more massive wooden board. If you also want a shelf, in addition to the larger board serving as the main part of the table, you also need a narrower wooden board that will serve as a shelf.