OpenBeam is a scaled down, desktop sized version of extruded aluminum framing systems commonly used in industry for rapidly prototyping and building machinery. Optimized for cost by using standard hardware instead of proprietary and expensive fasteners and using injection molding for our common brackets to bring the cost down.

Each of the 4 slots are designed to capture a regular DIN934 M3 nut. Brackets can then be attached to these nuts. With a quick turn of a 2mm hex key, the brackets can be repositioned anywhere along the beam. Adjusting and tuning an OpenBeam frame is therefore very easy.

The hole that runs down the extrusion is sized for an M3 sized tap as well. This allows button head screws to be used for blind mounting of OpenBeam components at 90 degrees to each other, as well as the use of feet to cap the ends of the extrusion.

The slots are also the correct width to fit a sheet of 1/8" wood or acrylic. This, coupled with a laser cutter, means that OpenBeam can be used for building box structures quickly. Simply add 2mm to each side of the frame for a piece to slot into and be captured by OpenBeam.