When building a DIY 3D printer or laser engraver, the frame is undoubtedly the most fundamental component. However, there is no universal standard for constructing a frame structure — it entirely depends on the creator’s needs and budget. When choosing a frame, several factors should be considered:
- The design of the motion system, Refer Linear railway specifications: https://diycnc.ca/linear-guideway-buying-guide/
- Operability and Expandability,
- compatibility with the installation of the motor system,
- Adjustability and flexibility, etc. Refer most of the aluminum extrusion connectors and corner brackets: https://diycnc.ca/product-category/hardware-cnc-accessories/aluminum-profile-accessories/
Based on the considerations above, the table below lists commonly used aluminum extrusion profiles and their features for building a 3D printer, laser engraver, or desktop CNC machine.
| Aluminum Extrusion Profile | Usage | Relative Products | Finish | Building Notes |
 | It has mostly been used in smaller-sized frames (less than XYZ: 40 cm × 40 cm × 40 cm) and in OpenBuilds wheel-based motion systems due to its V-slot design. It can also be used for linear rail installations, such as MGN12 or MGN15. | POM Pulley Wheel for V-slot profile 3D Printer Gantry Plate Kit for 2080 4080 V slot Sliding T Nuts for Aluminum Extrusion Profile 10 PCs Aluminum Extrusion Profile Connector Bracket T L Shape | Anodized Original or Black | It is very similar to the 2020 EU standard profile when not using OpenBuilds wheels. |
 | It has been widely used for stronger frame requirements than OpenBuilds wheel-based motion systems. Due to its two V-slots on the 40 mm sides, it supports NEMA17 stepper motor mounting brackets and T8 lead screw-based motion systems—for example, in DIY Ender‑3 or CR‑10 series frames. It can also be used for linear rail installations, such as MGN12 or MGN15. | Z Axis T8 Lead Screw Bearing Holder NEMA 17 Stepper Motor Mount Bracket Z Axis | Anodized Original or Black | It is very similar to the 2020 EU standard profile when not using OpenBuilds wheels. There are also 2060 V-slot and 2080 V-slot, for larger frame |
 | Similar with 2040V Slot, but it has two V-slots in each side. It supports NEMA17 stepper motor mounting brackets and T8 lead screw-based motion systems—for example, in DIY Ender‑3 or CR‑10 series frames. It can also be used for linear rail installations, such as MGN12 or MGN15. Normally been used for larger frame, for example larger than 50cm x 50cm x 50cm. | Refer products above Aluminum Profile Extrusion Foot Leveller End Cap Threaded | Anodized Original or Black | |
 | Perfect for stronger frames that using linear rail. The slot opening is about 6.5mm, can install MGN9 | Anodized Original or Black | This project uses only aluminum extrusions and is not sold individually in our store. It comes with specially sized accessories such as sliding T-nuts, end caps, and more. | |
 | This is very popular aluminum extrusion for smaller size of frames, especially when attaching the MGN9, MGN12 linear rails on it. | Generic T-nuts, L shape or T shape brackets are all work on it. Aluminum Extrusion Profile Connector Bracket T L Shape | Anodized Black | This project uses only aluminum extrusions and is not sold individually in our store. |
 | From the same series as the HFSB5-2020, but with a 40 mm side (twice as wide as the 2020). It is usually used together with the HFSBS-2020 to build stronger frames. | Anodized Black | This project uses only aluminum extrusions and is not sold individually in our store. |