TRUSS STRUCTURE / MARINE SENSOR MAST


APPLICATION:

Marine. Build to print. Our customer designed their own truss structure to be used as a marine sensor mast.

SOLUTION

Utilizing RWC’s stock carbon fiber tubing for their design, the customer supplied custom-designed, 3D-printed, titanium gussets to connect the tubes. The final structure was very lightweight, stiff and strong, with a 40% weight savings compared to aluminum tubes. The material offered corrosion resistance for the harsh marine environment in which the sensor mast would be operating.

Rock West also provided Precision Assembly Services. Utilizing our manufacturing expertise in joining tubes to metallic end fittings, we followed our customer’s design and assembled this truss structure to meet tight specifications, in addition to providing time and cost savings for this custom truss structure.

Image shows 3D printed gussets in a dark grey color lined up on a white surface with plastic bubble wrap protecting them from the surface of the table.
Image shows 3D printed gussets in a dark grey color and multiple carbon fiber tubes lined up in sections on a white table with plastic bubble wrap protecting them from the table surface. Materials are lined up in preparation for bonding the custom truss structure.
Two marine sensor masts are assembled side-by-side for a dry fit. They are laying on their sides on a white table top on plastic bubble wrap. Table is in a manufacturing environment.
A completed truss structure / marine sensor mast is placed standing in a vertical position. The backgound is white.
Image shows a details of the two custom truss structures / marine sensor masts placed standing side-by-side in a vertical position. The backgound is white. The focus is on the connection points where the tubes placed at angles connect to the primary tubes that run the full length of the structure.
Close up image of the end of the truss structure. The primary structure is triangular in shape and laying on its side, and the image crops off most of the structure. There are truss-like substrates radiating from the center of the truss and that are attached to the three primary posts. The structure is on a white background.
Close up image of the end of the truss structure. The primary structure is triangular in shape and laying on its side. Image looks down the entire structure. There are truss-like substrates radiating from the center of the truss and that are attached to the three primary posts. The structure is on a white background.