Slotted angle

Prototype slotted angle strips were developed by London-based engineer Demetrius Comino in the late 1930s,[1] as he sought alternatives to conventional wooden shelving in his printing works.

The prior existence of Meccano prevented a generic patent[2] so Dexion patents were restricted to particular slot and hole configurations,[3] and, seeking to emulate Dexion's success, other UK and European companies began offering different sizes, hole patterns and metal strip thicknesses.

Steel remains the most commonly used slotted angle material, although aluminium alternatives are also available.

The strips are normally produced in a variety of standard lengths, and steel versions are often painted or galvanized to protect them from rust.

To construct items from slotted angle, items can be cut to size (some versions are marked to show the optimum points at which to cut the metal) using special slotted angle cutters or shears, and then fixed with nuts and bolts.