Blog Post
Check out our blog post Why Insulate Booms? to learn more about the importance of insulating your booms, especially for safety!
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.
How Filament Wound Booms Are Made
Filament wound booms are constructed of fiberglass to form the structure of various types of aerial equipment. 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.
Our Manufacturing Process
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Design Your Own Boom Online
Know your measurements? Skip the guesswork and enter your dimensions and specifications directly into our boom design module, available as part of our request a quote form. The more detail you provide upfront, the faster our team can turn around a custom quote for your project.
Boom Types by Application
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:
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 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!
Request a Quote for Filament Wound Booms
Every filament wound boom Waco Boom builds is made to order. Tell us your load requirements, dielectric category, and how the boom will be used, and our team will design a fit that matches your equipment and your job.
FAQs
Waco Boom’s filament wound booms protect workers who are working on or near electrical lines. It is appropriate for:
- Utility distribution: Proper insulation on bucket trucks helps mitigate risks of live line work.
- Utility transmission: Dependable booms allow workers to safely maintain and repair energized lines using digger derricks.
- Tree care: Right-of-way management requires safe, insulated tree trimmer lifts to protect workers from nearby electrical hazards.
- Construction: Insulated fiberglass booms on compact lifts increase protection and prevent injury from live electrical lines.
- 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.
- High rigidity and strength
- Electrical insulation
- Lightweight
- Corrosion-resistant
The lifespan of a filament wound boom depends on the usage conditions & application for the boom. Call an expert today to learn more!
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
Our Process, Our Booms
Have a question? our experts can help you!
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like more information on any of our products, please contact us or submit a request.
(254) 776-2556
Mailing Address
PO BOX 20008
Waco, Texas 76702
Shipping Address
481 Texas Central Parkway
Waco, Texas 76712