Tripod Legs Machining: Tubes & Shafts

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Tube Grouping

 

At Kirsan Engineering we are a trusted resource for the precision manufacturing of challenging parts, leveraging our more than four decades of experience and fleet of state of the art machinery to meet exacting specifications. In the project highlighted here a producer of tripod components contracted us to take over the production of their tripod legs, which are employed in applications in security, military, surveying, and high speed entryways. They were outsourcing all manufacturing and were finding it problematic to find a supplier to take on the family of parts. Our expert staff designed a new production process for the tubed parts, developing custom tooling and fixturing to improve quality.

6061-T6 aluminum was selected for the components due to its strength and robust characteristics. The raw tubes were cut to size and machined to produce various precision details including threaded ends, key way grooves, gear teeth, tapping, and cross holes. Our Mazak CNC lathes and multiplex machinery were employed for manufacturing, and the process was streamlined to finish the part in two operations. This was an improvement upon the 4 operations it took to finish the part in the previous manufacturing process. Our centerless belt grinder was used to finish the outside diameter to spec. Precision tolerances of +.005"/-.000" were achieved during production.

The completed tripod legs measured 2" to 3" in diameter and ranged in lengths from 36" to 46". Legs were finished with anodizing in multiple colors as well as hard coat anodizing, imparting superior wear and abrasion resistance. Tripod legs are manufactured for use in both inch and metric assemblies. Quality and accuracy were confirmed throughout production, from performing incoming raw material inspections through to final part inspection. First article inspections are implemented for each set up, and parts are inspected between set ups for thorough validation. Certificates of conformance are available for all of the finishing treatments and raw materials.

Production volumes for this project are 1,100 EAU, releasing shipments from consignment inventory as needed. The customer's expectations were surpassed with this solution, as it met their production goals and timeline requirements. Please contact us directly to learn more about this tripod construction and other manufacturing solutions.

Specifications

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Tube Assy

Tube Shaft

Tube Leg Assy

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Shafts Stored