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Traffic Signal Poles Production Overview

Apr 22, 2025

Traffic Signal Poles Production Process

Importance and Requirements

  • Traffic signal poles must support:
    • Road signs
    • Street lights
    • Traffic signals
  • Must withstand extreme weather:
    • High winds
    • Heavy snow accumulation

Material Used

  • Made from high-strength steel
  • Galvanized on both sides to prevent corrosion from weather exposure

Manufacturing Process

Steel Preparation

  • Steel arrives in large rolls
  • Decoiler: Unwinds and flattens the steel sheet
  • Shear: Cuts steel to the correct length

Marking and Cutting

  • Plasma Cutter: Marks bending lines at both ends of the sheet
  • Sheets cut into rectangular or trapezoid shapes based on pole design

Bending

  • Press Break: Bends the sheet into a multisided round pole
  • Digital Measuring Device: Ensures accuracy of the first bend

Welding

  • Hydraulic Rollers: Apply pressure to join edges
  • Welding Head: Fuses seam with molten steel
    • Deposits flux to avoid air penetration into the weld
  • Hydraulic Press: Prevents warping during cooling

Connection Plate & Base Plate

  • Plasma machine cuts and drills connection plate
  • Connection and support plates welded in place
  • Base plate welded to the pole's bottom, includes anchor bolt holes
  • Welds inspected using testing device with electric current and colored powder

Galvanizing Process

  • Poles shipped to a galvanizing plant
  • Submerged in wash tanks to treat inner and outer surfaces
  • Sulfuric Acid Bath: Removes stubborn contaminants
  • Chemical Bath: Prepares surface for metallurgical bond
  • Molten Zinc Bath: Galvanizes poles at 842 degrees
    • Surface skimmed to keep clean from iron oxide and ash

Final Product

  • Poles are galvanized, ensuring long-term durability
  • Capable of supporting traffic infrastructure for 40+ years

Summary

  • The detailed and precise production process ensures traffic signal poles are strong, durable, and resistant to weather-induced corrosion, providing long-term support for essential road infrastructure.