External plating and bolting is the most economical way to join truss members. Gusset plates and bolts are required for all Structural trusses (except Multi-ply or Embedded Tensioner Trusses) and most Decorative trusses. Most of our trusses are constructed with externally placed, 1/4-inch, A36 gusset plates. The plates are custom-shaped by our designer to coincide with the members of the truss using our in-house CAD system. Plate thickness may increase for larger trusses to 3/8” or 1/2” thicknesses. Bolt sizing may vary according to truss proportions, but we normally utilize 3/4-inch bolting.
Our designer produces a CAD file that is downloaded to our shop’s Plasma Cutter, where the plates are cut from sheets of steel. Plate is most frequently painted with a general purpose alkyd-based, black paint. Galvanized gusset plates and fabrications can be supplied for exterior applications at the customer’s request. The galvanized finish can be left as-is or painted over-coated with the standard black paint described above. Powder coating in a variety of colors and finishes is also available. If special circumstances require it, higher strength or stainless steel plate can be supplied.
