80/20: Panel Mount Block Overview

Hello, and welcome to 80/20's product highlight series. Today we're going take a look at panel mount blocks. These connectors allow you to firmly mount panels onto the profiles. They're easy to install, available in both fractional and metric, and compatible across a wide range of profile series.

Now one thing you'll want to keep in mind is your panel is going to need a drill-through service to attach it to the block. You'll also need a bolt, to secure your panel to the blot as well. More information on 80/20's machining services and hardware, can be found in 80/20's product catalog.

Now when it comes to installing the panel mount block, the first thing you'll want to decide is how it's going to mount to the profile. Do you want it to be flush with the profile edge, or resting on the surface of the profile. Now in our example, we're going to rest it on the surface of the profile. So we'll take our panel mounting block, we'll go ahead and slide it into the open T-slot. Find the location we want, and tighten it down with our wrench. From there we'll take our panel, line it up with our block, and feed the bolt through. We'll go ahead and hand-tighten that down, and then we'll finish it off with our wrench.

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It would be great if you put a link to the parts you describe in your description, or even part numbers so it's easy to find in your catalog.

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One more question: If you are mounting to the surface, why do you need a panel block? why not just use a t-nut or similar in the T-slot?

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Can it be adjustable to different size panels? For example if I was using a 1/2" panel or a 3/8" and I wanted them flush. Or do you offer different size ones?