Filament Wound Booms

Name: Waco Boom
Address: 481 Texas Central Parkway, Waco, TX, 76712, US
Telephone: (254) 776-1695
Price range: void

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Industry Leaders in Fiberglass Booms

Waco Boom is the leading FRP aerial boom manufacturer and supplier. We have a global reputation for providing dependability in fit, strength, and non-conductivity in our filament wound booms. We’ve built these FRP aerial booms based on our extensive history and dedication to produce superior booms that match the design and function of each insulated aerial unit.

Filament wound booms are constructed of fiberglass to form the structure of many types of aerial lifts. The filament wound boom provides electrical insulation, which protects workers, the public, and property from any potential threat of electrocution. This unique feature makes filament wound booms ideal for work around power lines.

Filament wound booms are made of fiberglass combined with an epoxy-based resin system which produces the highest quality fiber-reinforced (FRP) booms and jibs. Fiberglass is used because of its ability to insulate against electricity. Since fiberglass is a mineral material, it is naturally incombustible, does not propagate fire, or support a flame. We’ve spent years vetting different types and sources of fiberglass and epoxy-based resin systems. Sourcing the best materials means we make the very best fiber-reinforced (FRP) booms and jibs. All of our materials undergo additional quality assurance testing when received. While we maintain a stock of common boom sizes, Waco Boom also designs and manufactures custom sizes.

New Blog Post

Check out our new blog post Why Insulate Booms? to learn more about the importance of insulating your booms, especially for safety!

FRP Aerial Boom Manufacturer

Waco Boom does not manufacture cookie-cutter booms. Instead, we work with our customers to custom design and manufacture booms for optimal performance based on function and fit. We consider how the device is used; related force and stress considerations; and classification and load requirements before designing a filament winding pattern specific to each customer’s needs.

All filament wound booms are manufactured to meet ANSI A92.2 standards. Additionally, booms are engineered to the function of the device and the dielectric category as well as with a strength typically meeting or exceeding a 7:1 Factor of Safety.

Our multi-step process has been honed and refined continuously over the last several decades, resulting in stream-lined methods that produce quality results run after run.

1. Filament Winding

Our CNC filament winding is optimal for focusing patterns and glass angles specific for load requirements and stresses of the aerial work platforms or jib arms.

2. Compression

Through a proprietary close-molding process, Waco Boom achieves a high-density, controlled fiber-to-resin ratio. This provides optimum capacity, stiffness, and strength at the basket/boom tip with less weight. In addition, it controls specific dimensions and condenses voids in the laminate so moisture and debris cannot enter and cause dielectric failure.

3. Finishing/Coating

After a controlled curing cycle, booms are prepared for coating. A grinding process provides surface prepping without cutting deep into the continuous fibers which provides its strength. The standard gelcoat sprayed by Waco Boom provides durability and flexibility. It is also designed so it can easily be sanded if booms are going to receive a final coat of urethane once installed.

4. Testing

Quality assurance checks are administered throughout the production process based on customer specifications and internal tolerances. Prior to shipping, all booms undergo rigorous dielectric testing and final inspections making them the safest on the market.

Why Use a Filament Wound Boom?

Waco Boom’s filament wound booms protect workers who are working on or near electrical lines. It is appropriate for:

Utility distribution: Proper insulation helps mitigate risks of live line work.

Utility transmission: Dependable booms allow workers to safely maintain and repair energized lines.

Tree care: Right-of-way management requires safe, insulated equipment to protect workers from nearby electrical hazards, allowing them to manage trees and shrubs efficiently.

Construction: Insulated fiberglass booms increase protection and prevent possible damage or injury from a live electrical line.

Cranes: Facilities maintenance and equipment rental agencies can be prepared with the safest vehicles for whatever job is on the line-up for the day.

What are the benefits of Filament Wound Booms?

High rigidity and strength
Electrical insulation
Lightweight
Corrosion-resistant

What is the lifespan of a boom?

The lifespan of a filament wound boom depends on the usage conditions & application for the boom. Call an expert today to learn more!

What are the Applications of Filament Wound Booms?

Jibs, upper booms, and lower booms are all made with filament wound booms on telescopic, articulating, and over-center aerial platforms. They are also used on insulated tools and line lifters.

Industries include:

Aviation and aerospace
Commercial and retail
Municipalities, public works, and departments of transportation
Electric utility
Telecommunications
Sign, light, and traffic
Wind energy
Tree care and vegetation management

Working With Waco Boom

At Waco Boom we work with product design engineers and buyers at major manufacturers and retrofitters around the world. All filament wound booms are made to order, depending on the customer’s need. From design to manufacture, we take our customers through the six-week process with us, making sure their needs are met every step of the way. Waco Boom believes in putting in the work to create long-term relationships with our customers. That means we focus on consistency, producing the best product time after time.

If you have any questions, please call our experts or contact us today and make Waco Boom your go-to FRP Aerial Boom Manufacturer!

Our Process, Our Booms

Waco Boom's expertise in a multi-stage, controlled manufacturing process is why our booms are the best performing and most reliable booms in the industry.

Quality Raw Material Input

Over 30 years of vetting different types and sources of fiberglass combined with a special epoxy-based resin system, enables us to produce the very best Fiber-Reinforced (FRP) booms and jibs. All materials undergo quality assurance testing when received.

Filament Winding

Waco Boom’s CNC Filament Winding is optimal for focusing patterns and glass angles specific for load requirements and stresses of the aerial work platforms or jib arms.

Compression

Through a proprietary Close-Molding process, Waco Boom can achieve high-density, controlled fiber-to-resin ratio. This serves optimum capacity, stiffness, and strength at the basket / boom tip with less weight of material. In addition, it controls specific dimensions and condenses voids in the laminate so moisture and debris cannot enter and cause dielectric failure.

Finishing/Coating

After a controlled curing cycle, booms are prepared for coating. A grinding process provides surface prepping without cutting deep into the continuous fibers which provide its strength. The standard gelcoat sprayed by Waco Boom provides durability and flexibility. It is also designed so it can easily be sanded if booms are going to receive a final coat of urethane once installed.

Testing

Quality Assurance checks are administered throughout the production process based on customer specifications and internal tolerances. Prior to shipping, all booms undergo dialectric testing, and final inspections.

These processes evolved over the company’s history to create a truly unique insulating boom. Our exacting and unique manufacturing processes ensure the highest strength and degree of insulation possible in the industry.

Use and Design

Engineers at Waco Boom have a long-standing history of serving on the committee that helps define standards for ANSI A92.2. With a primary focus on safety and understanding its use, it is Waco Boom’s privileged to have jibs, upper booms, and lower booms represented on telescopic, articulating, and overcenter aerial platforms in addition to insulated tools and line lifters. Protecting workers, the public, and property, these booms serve these categories of usage: