Material Specification
Wood
Our poles are made from planks of Class 3 glue-laminated untreated Scots Pine beams.
Our beams are designed and certified GL28h. There are 4 classes of resistance, GL24, 28, 32 and 36h, by increasing order of resistance.
Glue Laminated Beams
The maximum thickness of the planks making up the beam is less than 34m, in conformity with Eurocode 5 registered as “Mixed Wood Metal Lamp posts”. The glue used to assemble the planks is known as White glue, and has the advantage of minimising the visual impact of joints on the wooden parts. Like the Scotch pine from Finland used for our production, our end products are PEFC* certified, certificate 5674-01.
Steel Components
The metal parts of these “Mixed Wood Metal Lighting Columns” are made of S235 Galvanised Steel. To obtain the best quality Galvanising, the Steel used is category A in conformity with standard NF A 35-503.
Hot rolled products made of type S235 Construction Steel:
Alloy composed mainly of Iron with Carbon to which different elements (Manganese, Silicon, etc.) are added in order to obtain minimal mechanical resistance.
Wooden Column Production
Our production line for wooden columns transforms GL28h laminated pine beams into mixed Steel/Wooden columns, entirely finished with base plate and equipment inside the door. Once production is complete, the columns are sent directly to clients.
The Production Line:The manufacturing of the masts begins by cutting off the extremities of the beam according to the height of the final product. Next, a central hole is drilled along the length of the column to allow cabling to pass.
Cylindrical section columns are produced using the same machining centre. Initially all cylindrical section columns have a multi-faceted profile. Depending on the final design, the column may then be sanded in order to smooth these facets and obtain the final shape.
Square-section columns are produced by a digital machining centre. Also at this point, additional cuts are made in wood to allow the steel base and top cap to be fitted.
Standard columns of heights taller than 5m are produced in several parts. The parts of the column go through a digital machining centre where finger joints are placed on the end surfaces to be joined. The joining and gluing operations needed to ensure a strong and permanent connection are performed next.
The assembly technology used to produce these columns complies with current calculation rules.
Finishing
All holes needed to fix accessories and/or lights are then made in the wooden column as per the required specification.
All columns are then treated to a 4 layer protective coating system which is designed to maximise the life span of the wooden column.
The steel base, is then securely fitted and glued to the pole. The adapters or other parts designed to fasten lanterns and/ or accessories are also put into position at this time. Once all fasteners are installed the products are then packaged for delivery.
Packaging: Several thicknesses of corrugated cardboard protect the wooden section, while a felt sleeve protects the steel base.
The columns are then placed top to bottom on a pallet, separated from each other by wooden wedges which follow the section of the mast to avoid slipping during transport.
The operator takes care to balance the pallet according to the weight and length of the masts. Placing its centre of gravity directly above the position of the pallet truck forks. The bundle is further protected by a wooden plaque in order to prevent any damage from forks. Lastly, a plastic film is added to ensure that rain cannot deteriorate the cardboard envelope packaging during transport.