Space Frame Structures
One-Stop Space Frame Structure Engineering & Fabrication
Custom Bolt Ball & Welded Space Frame Solutions for Long-Span Structures Worldwide
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Types of Space Frame Structures for Sale
Space frame structures can also be divided into 4 forms classified by the truss shape: planar truss systems, square pyramids, triangular pyramids, and hexagonal pyramids. The space frame structures for sale at AGICO cover 2 main types: bolt ball type and the welded ball type, which are classified by the joint connection methods.
Bolt ball space frame uses a bolted ball joint, pipe members are connected by bolts. The welded ball space frame uses a welded hollow ball as the joint, welded with tubular members.
- Bolt Ball Space Frame
- Welded Ball Space Frame
- Grid Shell Structure
Bolt Ball Space Frame Components Fabrication
Bolt ball space frame fabrication, including the components of bolt balls, pipe members, and other accessories. And they shall be fabricated strictly according to the drawing design supplied by engineers and go through standard surface treatment and strict tests before installation.
Bolt ball nodes are spherical forged balls with multiple internally threaded holes, used to connect several pipe members at a single point.
In a bolted ball joint, high-strength bolts connect the pipe members to the ball. The end of each member is fitted with a seal plate or a cone head, and fastening is achieved through sleeves and pins. This type of joint requires no welding during construction and installation—only a mechanical connection. It is a type of prefabricated steel structure and has been widely applied in large roof structures such as industrial plants, sports stadiums, transportation hubs, airport terminals, and similar projects.
Bolt Ball is a key component of Bolt Ball space frame structures. Its main structural feature is a spherical steel node drilled with multiple internally threaded holes, allowing several pipe members to connect to form a truss structure. It is mainly used in steel space-frame structures to transfer structural loads efficiently.
A conehead is a component used in bolt ball space frame systems and is welded to the end of the steel pipe member. The threaded shank of the high-strength bolt passes through the circular hole, which is located at the cone head bottom, and screws into the bolt ball, while the bolt head stays inside the conehead.
Space frame pipe members are another key component of the space frame. These steel pipes are fabricated into prismatic members with straight and variable cross-sections. They are bolted or welded on the ball joints to form the designed 3-D truss steel structure. They function as both load-bearing components and mutually supporting structural elements.
Space frame high-strength bolts are a special type of structural steel bolt used in bolt-ball space frames and grid shell structures. The property grade of the bolt depends on its diameter: smaller diameter bolts generally use grade 10.9; larger diameter bolts commonly use grade 9.8. Their specifications are determined by the bearing capacity of the sleeves according to the node design.
A sleeve, or threadless nut, is supplied with a small side hole and fitted over the high-strength bolt. The small hole aligns with the keyway on the bolt, and a set screw is tightened into the hole. It can be rotated with a wrench for the assembly of high-strength bolts.
Space frame support at the bottom of the space frame varies depending on the structural configuration of the space frame system.
The bearing support (support bracket) is fabricated according to the specific space frame geometry and roofing structure through practical layout and detailing to ensure accurate load transfer and installation alignment.
Bolt Ball Space Frame Components Specifications
AGICO aims to supply bolt ball space frames with excellent overall integrity and stability and high spatial stiffness. Our bolt ball space frames can effectively withstand asymmetric loads, concentrated loads, and dynamic loads while also providing outstanding seismic resistance. Here are the specifications of bolt ball space frame components:
| Component | Specification | Size Range | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel Tubular Members | Diameter | Small: 48mm, 51mm, 57mm Medium: 76mm, 89mm, 108mm Large: 133mm, 159mm, 219mm | — | Structural members used in space frame systems. Small diameters for light loads and short spans; medium for general applications; large for heavy loads and long-span structures. |
| Bolt Ball | Diameter | Φ100 – Φ350 mm | — | Spherical node with threaded holes for connecting members. Size depends on space frame geometry and member forces. |
| End Plate | Outer Diameter × Thickness | Φ48×14 – Φ76×20 mm Inner Hole: 17 – 28 mm | 0.25 – 0.57 kg | Welded to the end of tubular members for bolt connection. Used for smaller diameter tubes. |
| Cone Head | Outer Diameter × Length | Φ76×60 – Φ219×140 mm Inner Hole: 21 – 65 mm | 1.5 – 18 kg | Connector between steel tube and bolt ball. Base plate thickness varies according to bolt size (M20 – M64). |
| High-Strength Bolt | Diameter × Length | M16 – M64 Length: 63 – 205 mm | 0.14 – 7.64 kg | Special bolts used in bolt ball space frame systems. Provides pre-tension and structural connection. |
| Sleeve (Threadless Nut) | Across Flats × Length | Width: 27 – 100 mm Inner Hole: 17 – 65 mm Length: 30 – 90 mm | 0.15 – 6.12 kg | Works with high-strength bolts. Transfers torque to the bolt during installation. |
| Locking Nut | Diameter × Length | M6 – M10 Length: 12 – 23 mm | — | Small locking component used to secure the sleeve and bolt system. |
Space Frame Manufacture—Factory View
Here are the space frame factory and components images from AGICO. If you are interested in bolt ball space frame project, feel free to contact us!
What Is a Steel Space Frame Structure?
Steel space frames and grid shells are 2 major types of space grid structures. A space frame is a type of flat steel truss; the grid shell is a curved steel truss. They are mostly designed and fabricated as lightweight and curved long-span roofs and used as spatial structures for floors, façades, towers, canopies, and bridges. Space frame structures feature spatial load-bearing capacity, light weight, high stiffness, good seismic performance, and a single type of member that facilitates industrial production.
Bolt Ball Space Frame Structure Detail
Bolt ball space frame fabrication, including the components of bolt balls, pipe members, and other accessories. And they shall be fabricated strictly according to the drawing design supplied from engineers and go through standard surface treatment and strict tests before installation.
What is Bolt Ball? Bolt ball nodes are spherical forged balls with multiple internally threaded holes, used as a joint to connect several pipe members at a single point. In a bolted ball joint, high-strength bolts connect the pipe members to the ball. The end of each member is fitted with a seal plate or a cone head, and fastening is achieved through sleeves and pins. This type of joint requires no welding during construction and installation—only a mechanical connection. It is a type of prefabricated steel structure and has been widely applied in large roof structures such as industrial plants, sports stadiums, transportation hubs, airport terminals, and similar projects.
Applications of Steel Space Frame Structures
AGICO fabricates space frames for different spans, various plan configurations, diverse support conditions, and functional requirements. Our Space Frame Structure and Grid Shell Structure are widely used in a broad range of buildings and architectures. They are suitable not only for small- and medium-span industrial and civil buildings but are also extensively applied in medium- and large-span structures such as stadiums, exhibition halls, auditoriums, theaters, railway stations, aircraft hangars, industrial plants, and warehouses.
Fabrication and Design Services
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