Spigot Trusses vs. Bolt Trusses: How to Choose for International Trade Procurement? A Comprehensive Comparison of Parameters, Scenarios, and Costs

Aluminum alloy trusses are divided into two main types: spigot trusses and bolt trusses. These are the most commonly used basic products for exhibitions, performances, and outdoor canopies. Many overseas customers cannot distinguish between the two, easily choosing the wrong type and increasing costs.

I. Structural and Installation Differences

Spigot Trusses: Each section has integrated tapered joints at both ends. On-site, simply align the sleeve and insert the spring pin for fixation. No tools are required, and two people can quickly assemble it, making assembly and disassembly extremely efficient.

World Exhibition's standard models: 290 cubic meter trusses, 400×400 large trusses, and spherical irregular trusses are all spigot trusses, with lengths ranging from 0.5m to 10m.

Bolt Truss: Without tapered ends, the two truss sections are secured with flanges and bolts, resulting in a robust joint and stronger overall structural rigidity. Suitable for long-term fixed installations and large-span heavy-duty canopies.

Disadvantages: Requires a wrench on-site, and assembly is significantly slower than the pin-type truss.

II. Materials and Load-Bearing Capacity: Both models use 6061-T6/6082-T6 aviation aluminum, with 50×3.0mm thickened main tubing. For the same dimensions, the bolt truss exhibits less overall deflection and higher concentrated load capacity, making it suitable for suspending large line array speakers and heavy lighting equipment. The pin-type truss offers significant advantages in terms of lightweight design and ease of assembly and disassembly, making it the preferred choice for short-distance touring performances and frequent rental companies.

III. Applicable Overseas Clients & Scenarios

Preferred Options: Pin-mounted trusses: Suitable for European and American event rental companies, event setup companies, and small to medium-sized exhibitions requiring frequent turnaround and fast setup.

Preferred Options: Bolt trusses: Suitable for large music festival fixed canopies, long-term ceiling installations in stadiums, permanent outdoor advertising frames, and large-span truss projects.

IV. Foreign Trade Procurement Costs and Transportation Recommendations

Unit Price: Pin-mounted trusses have higher production costs and higher selling prices than bolt trusses of the same specifications. This is because pin-mounted trusses require integral welding of tapered heads at both ends, resulting in higher material consumption and welding time; bolt trusses only require simple flanges, simplifying the processing and reducing costs.

Transportation: Pin-mounted trusses are packaged uniformly, reducing the number of loose small parts and increasing container utilization; bolt trusses require a large number of bolts, nuts, and washers, with small parts taking up valuable container space.

Customization: Both types of trusses can be made in curved, triangular, and I-beam shapes, and support full RAL color powder coating.

V. Factory Support Advantages: All trusses have passed TUV third-party load testing and come with complete test reports. They have complete EU export CE certification and can be mixed and matched with stages, railings, and scaffolding for full container shipment.