Important Factors to Consider When Choosing an Aluminum Framing System

Both factory automation OEMs and end-users of automated production systems understand the importance of structural framing. Unfortunately, selecting the best system for their unique requirements can be challenging. The market has a wide range of choices from suppliers offering similar systems. Some, like FlexMation, work closely with companies like Bosch Rexroth to provide the best quality aluminum extrusions, framing solutions and accessories in the industry. Others offer basic product lines with limited options and compete on pricing and quick delivery.

However, choosing an aluminum framing system based on low cost and fast delivery isn’t always best for lean manufacturing. Treating framing as a commodity product can lead to poorly fitting profiles, extra work connecting components, less durability, and degradation of workstations over time.

That begs the question: what factors should you consider when choosing an aluminum extrusion and framing supplier for your warehouse or facility? Let’s dig in and see.

1. Depth of Aluminum Structural Framing Options

Every manufacturing operation and factory automation system is designed to meet the unique requirements of each company. For instance, a structural framing system needs to offer a wide range of components and options to help OEMs quickly access the framing products they need to meet machine-specific design factors and production environment conditions. Bosch Rexroth’s aluminum profile system has been developed and expanded over 40 years to offer these choices.

That depth and breadth is what lean manufacturing facilities are looking for in modern times. They need technology portfolios that can provide complete system solutions without requiring OEMs or end-users to invest their resources to integrate and adjust components from a long list of suppliers.

2. Framing Quality and Long-Term Savings

A complete and reliable portfolio is crucial when considering aluminum framing systems for lean manufacturing equipment such as workstations, partition walls, flow racks, and machine enclosures. These systems should be sturdy enough to withstand harsh environments that are filled with high vibration levels, dust, and electrostatic charges. If not, they can quickly deteriorate and become useless. Aluminum structural framing systems from FlexMation are engineered with strict tolerances to ensure quality and longevity.

3. Ease of Use and Flexibility

As manufacturing companies aim to create more advanced and efficient production systems, they are also looking for ways to simplify their development process and speed up the implementation of new technology on the factory floor. To achieve these goals, having the right aluminum structural framing system can be incredibly valuable.

Bosch Rexroth has developed a framing system that simplifies the process of assembling workstations, flow racks, and machine enclosures. There’s no special training required, and basic tools like screwdrivers and Allen wrenches are sufficient for assembling.

 Plus, these framing systems are designed for easy disassembly and reconfiguration without affecting their quality or durability. This feature can help factories save costs and meet their sustainability targets. Bosch Rexroth’s aluminum framing includes a range of special components, such as workstations with internal communications and power cabling. While many framing systems claim to be flexible and easy to use, it’s important for manufacturers to look for targeted solutions within a framing system that meet their unique needs.

4. Automated and Manual Production Integration

Most “automated” factories aren’t truly autonomous. They often integrate manual systems into their production lines, from electronics and automotive components to medical devices. If you’re looking to optimize your factory’s automated processes, there’s a good chance you need an appropriate manual system for support. Because of our partnership with Bosch Rexroth, FlexMation offers Manual Production Systems that work seamlessly with the durability and flexibility of aluminum structural framing systems.

Whether they’re flow racks, workstations, material suppliers, or other products for manual manufacturing, our manual production options are created with lean production and ergonomic efficiency in mind.

Custom-Designed Aluminum Framing Solutions from FlexMation

When we started this business, we made a conscious decision to become specialists. We believed (and still do) that a laser-sharp focus would make FlexMation succeed.

We concentrate on designing custom solutions that improve safety, productivity, wellbeing, and flow.

The best part? It’s custom-designed and locally assembled with your specific needs in mind. We’ve become a trusted partner to a range of businesses, from the biggest manufacturers to the smallest shops in the Midwest. 

It all starts with you—Each and every product, assembly line, and employee is different, and nobody knows your business as you do. We believe your work areas should reflect that uniqueness. See our process here for more on how we work.