The traditional steel scaffold towers are solid and heavy. That is why, it takes time for them to be assembled and dismantled especially if the workers need to move or relocate it. Because of these, certain manufacturers have come up with an idea in creating scaffold towers from light materials such as aluminum and fiberglass.
Aluminum Scaffold Towers
Compared to steel, aluminum is much lighter. And it's safe to say that the durability of aluminum can match the strength of steel. Because of its lightness, some manufacturers created mobile scaffold towers. Aluminum scaffold towers are much easier to assemble and dismantle that they don't need any special tools. In addition, aluminum is a rust-free material making it easier to maintain, unlike steel.
Aluminum scaffold towers are ideal for residential or commercial use and general maintenance work. Also DIY enthusiasts prefer lightweight equipments since it is quick to erect and they do not usually do rigorous work, unlike those used in big construction projects.
As when it comes to the difference of their prices, aluminum is much more expensive than steel, and it can even reach five times more expensive. Consumers would often prefer buying aluminum scaffold towers because it has more advantages compared to steel. But since people nowadays prefer economy to quality, they would still end up using the steel scaffoldings.
Fiberglass Mobile Towers
One of the hasards of using steel and aluminum scaffold towers is that these materials are conductors of electricity. Some people refer to wood as an alternative. But wood is not that durable enough to withstand the stresses that aluminum and steel scaffoldings can, and wood do not last very long. Hence, manufacturers found another alternative material, which is the fiberglass. In an environment where there is a lot of exposure to electricity, it would be safer to use equipments made from fiberglass. Other than that, fiberglass is also light and durable.
Fiberglass is the right material in scaffolding to prevent electrocution. Fiberglass scaffold is inert with no electrical conductivity or reaction to chemicals, making it suitable for use in electrical environments from substations to computer rooms. The fiberglass scaffold is easy to assemble, as every frame can be used as a base frame, building frame, or guard rail frame. Because it is very lightweight, it can be erected in minutes and easily transported by a small truck or trailer. It is very ideal for mines, aircraft, foundries, computer rooms, chemical environments, battery rooms, railway stations, electricity sub-stations, and in other environments. Not to mention, it is also great for home use, since it is ultra lightweight.
In addition, some manufacturers also created mobile scaffold towers made from fiberglass. It's so light that a person can actually pick it up with one hand. But great advantages also come with a price. Compared to steel, fiberglass scaffoldings are very costly. Thus, comparing all the prices together?steel, aluminum, and fiberglass?consumers would rather prefer to use steel scaffoldings. With the availability of scaffold towers made of lightweight materials, it will surely make people's work a lot easier.
Scaffold Towers For Sale
Scaffold towers are any temporary elevated platforms and the supporting structure used for holding people, materials, tools, or a combination of any these. They are designed to provide an elevated work area that is more efficient than other means. Scaffold towers can be used for a variety of jobs, from simple house work like fixing the ceilings or cleaning a gutter to big constructions such as building skyscrapers.
Building Your Own Scaffold Tower
Some people would like their own customised scaffold towers. They can decide on which material to use and also the desired dimensions. They can also choose if they want it mobile or stationary.
You can build your own scaffold towers with scaffolding parts from a lot of stores. Solid scaffold towers can be built using your own measurements and with just a little background information on using the frames, cross braces, brackets, guard rail systems, ladders, jacks, decking, clamps, castors, adapters, and other accessories. In addition, there is a lot of information regarding building your own scaffold towers on the Internet. And also, there are lots of sites that sell scaffolding spare parts. A person can buy it in bulk or individual pieces according to their preference. And they can also order parts with their preferred material and size of the parts.
Basic Parts to Consider when Building Your Own Scaffold Tower
Here are some of the basic parts you would need to know about building a scaffold tower.
Base Section ? To ensure stability, set supported scaffolds on base plates, mudsills or some other adequate firm foundation. Supported scaffold poles, frames and uprights must be plumb and braced to prevent any displacement caused by swaying.
Access ? The cross braces should never be used as a means of access. A specific access, such as a mounted ladder, must be used.
Bracing ? Connect panels and frames with diagonal, horisontal, or cross braces along or as a combination, in order to laterally secure the vertical members. Because the frames are stacked, the cross braces have to keep the scaffold plumb, level, and square. All brace connections must be secured to prevent dislodging.
Guardrail Systems ? Standard rails are required on all scaffold towers. They should be installed along all open sides and at both ends of platforms.
Platform ? Except when used as a walkway, the platform is the main working area of the scaffold. Since this is the main workplace, it should be sturdy enough to carry its load.
Pinning ? Frames and panels must be joined together vertically through the use of stacking pins or coupling, or equivalent means. Frames and panels should also be locked together to prevent uplift.
These are only a few basic physical structures of scaffold towers. But in building these equipments, the safety when using these should always be highly prioritised. Since it is an elevated platform, the stability decreases as the height increases. In addition, the scaffold and its components must support, without failure, its own weight and at least four times its maximum intended load. Stability and durability are the key components for the scaffold towers to be safe.
