Tukikehys

Tukikehys is a Finnish term for a structural frame that provides support for components, equipment, or assemblies. The word combines tukii (support) with kehys (frame), and it is used across engineering, construction, and manufacturing to describe a rigid or semi-rigid skeleton that carries loads and positions other parts within a larger system.

In practice, tukikehys may function as a subframe in vehicles, a mounting frame for machinery, an enclosure backbone in electrical panels, or a supporting skeleton in furniture or installations. The frame ensures proper alignment, load distribution, and ease of assembly and maintenance. It is often designed to resist bending, torsion, and fatigue, and can be made of steel, aluminum, wood, or composite materials. Coatings or treatments may improve corrosion resistance and longevity.

Design considerations include material choice, load paths, stiffness, vibration, and thermal expansion, as well as mounting interfaces and serviceability. Tight tolerances and compatibility with fasteners and connectors are critical to ensure correct fit and function. The tukikehys often defines how other parts are attached and how loads are transferred to the surrounding structure.

Manufacturing and integration typically involve welding or bolting, with standard profiles or custom geometries chosen to meet the application's requirements. Quality control may include dimensional checks and, in critical applications, non-destructive testing to verify integrity and performance.

See also: chassis, subframe, mounting bracket, frame.