FlexMation; Frequently Asked Questions

Where is FlexMation located?
We are located in the southern Minneapolis metro area at 14501 Judicial Road, Suite 50, Burnsville, MN 55306
Our office is about 15 miles south of Downtown Minneapolis and 2 miles west of I-35W on the southern side of County Rd 42.

What is FlexMation's specialty?
We focus 100% of our resources on being the leading aluminum framing solutions provider and it is our core competence. We want to be THE specialist and as a result, do not offer hundreds of other product lines like a general line distributor.

Can you help me with my application?
Yes. We provide free over-the-phone support for typical product questions. You can hand-off the design to us as well. We can review the application with you, offer our suggestions and perform the design work. Often times it is sufficient for you to email ( ) or fax (952-898-4229) a simple drawing to get us started on your project. Feel free to call us at 952-898-1311 to discuss your needs.

Can you build it for me?
Yes. Our organization is well-equipped and qualified to design and assemble modular framing solutions that range from mild to wild.  Busy customers generally don’t have the time, space or manpower to take on another project and we’re eager to provide the assembly service to them. The majority of our work comes from customers who are perfectly capable of doing a framing project themselves but realize it isn’t their core competence and have more important things to accomplish.

Do you carry local inventory?
Yes. You have access to our profiles (sizes from 20x20 to 90x90), associated fasteners and connecting hardware at our Burnsville location. We carry an extra level of stock with Bosch’s GOTO 24 hour shipment items which are the most common building blocks for 6mm, 8mm and 10mm t-slot profiles and associated hardware. For instance, you can drop in and pick up a bundle (20 pcs) of 45x45 profile and 100 gusset kits or we can ship it to you that day.

Can I get catalogs?
Yes. You can contact us for printed copies, click on the menu item "links-tools" or go directly to: Bosch Rexroth Aluminum Structural Framing Catalog

Can I get CAD files on-line?
Yes. You can access CAD files for Bosch Rexroth Aluminum Structural Framing Elements from the "Links-Tools" menu item or go to: CAD Files; Bosch Aluminum Framing 

Can I look up prices or order on-line?
Yes. Bosch Rexroth has an e-commerce site that you can use to locate parts, download pdf's, access prices or even place an order. On-line orders are electronically forwarded to FlexMation for processing and fulfillment. The E-Commerce site can be reached from our Links-Tools menu item or go to Bosch Aluminum Framing Online Shop

Do you accept credit cards?
Yes. FlexMation accepts Visa, Master Card, American Express or Discover cards.  You can use your Visa or Master Card in the secure Bosch Rexroth e-commerce site.


Bosch Rexroth Aluminum Structural Framing Products:

How do the aluminum extrusion profiles fasten together?
Bosch Rexroth Aluminum Structural Framing is a modular, bolt-together system. No welding is needed. No painting is needed.
The Bosch Rexroth system offers a wide variety of fastening methods and that is one of their strengths. The most popular connections are used for making right angle joints and include Gusset with Fasteners and the Connection Screw. Their Quick Connector-Rigid is very useful and provides the ability to re-position profile locations along a t-slot. There are numerous other types of connectors for angles and swivels. 
Feel free to contact us and discuss your application. We’ll offer our helpful recommendations for choosing the optimum connection.

Is this stuff like 8020?
Good question. 8020 is a brand name and also a frequently used generic term to describe aluminum extrusion systems. Other brand names out there are IPS, Item, Maytec, T-Slots and many more. While similar in appearance, don’t assume the parts are interchangeable. T-slot geometries vary from brand to brand.

Is there anything special to know about fastening profiles together?
Bosch approaches fastening with a “system” philosophy. They offer a packaged solution to simplify specifying, ordering and assembling joints. For example, a 45x45 Gusset with Fasteners is part number 3842523561; this p/n gets you a bag containing the die cast gusset with integral locating tabs, two grade 8.8 T-bolts and two flange nuts. It is a complete assembly-maker and saves you from spending time to select and specify the individual components.
This Bosch fastening system approach really becomes a time-saver if or when someone accidentally overlooks a component during specifying or ordering.

What tools are needed for assembly?
It is easy to assemble Bosch Rexroth aluminum structural framing. For example, a frame being built from 45x45 profiles which uses connection screws, gussets or quick connectors can be assembled using simple hand tools; T50 Torx Head Wrench (for the connection screw), 13mm combination wrench (for the gusset’s fasteners) and a 6mm Hex Wrench (for the quick connector).

How do I cut the profiles?
A typical chop saw with a 100 tooth carbide-tipped blade will readily cut the profiles. Make sure that the profile is clamped rigidly into place and wear protective safety gear such as safety glasses and ear plugs.

What design tools are available?
1.  Bosch Rexroth has AutoCad based design software called FMSsoft. You can download it FREE at FMSsoft

2.  CAD and PDF's are available FREE after logging in to the e-commerce site at Bosch Rexroth Framing Shop

3.  3D Solid Models for the major CAD packages are also available FREE from the Bosch e-commerce site or directly from Bosch Rexroth CAD Files.

What information is there for determining the strength of joints and connections?
Bosch provides the tightening specifications and load carrying capacity of their connections in the Engineering Data and Specifications located in Section 17 of their main catalog. This section also provides bending deflection information.

What information is available for calculating profile bending or deflection?
Bosch Rexroth has a FREE on-line tool at Profile Deflection Calculator 


Please contact us if you have other questions. We'd enjoy the opportunity to help you.