Beyond the Price Tag: Understanding Total Cost
When comparing aluminum framing systems, many purchasers focus solely on initial material costs. This narrow view misses the bigger picture: the true cost of ownership extends far beyond the purchase order.
Over a 5-year period, maintenance, downtime, and performance issues can dwarf initial savings. Let's break down the real numbers.
Initial Investment Comparison
T-Slot System
AngleLock System
* Based on typical machine base structure. Faster AngleLock assembly due to self-aligning brackets.
5-Year Operating Costs
T-Slot: Hidden Costs Add Up
Quarterly inspection and retightening: 2 hrs/quarter × 20 quarters × $90/hr
14 hours/year maintenance downtime × 5 years × $120/hr production value
Part rejection, equipment recalibration, premature wear: average $840/year
AngleLock: Zero Operating Costs
Self-tightening connections require zero maintenance
No maintenance = no downtime
Vibration-proof connections eliminate drift and quality issues
Total Cost of Ownership: The Verdict
T-Slot
AngleLock
Total 5-year savings with AngleLock
(10x return on initial investment)
Factors Not Included in This Analysis
The above comparison is conservative. Additional benefits of AngleLock not quantified here include:
Equipment Longevity
Reduced vibration transmission extends life of mounted equipment (motors, sensors, etc.)
Quality Improvements
Maintained precision reduces scrap and rework in manufacturing processes
Smaller Profiles
10x stronger joints allow use of smaller, lighter, less expensive extrusions
Resale Value
AngleLock structures maintain full strength through disassembly and reconfiguration
The ROI Decision
AngleLock pays for itself through eliminated maintenance costs alone within the first year. Over 5 years, you save more than 10x the initial investment difference while gaining superior performance, reliability, and peace of mind.
For mission-critical applications where downtime is expensive and reliability is paramount, the decision is clear.