What is F32 I-beam truss?
F32 is two-chord truss: two aluminum tubes joined by diagonal bracing in a single flat plane, so the finished segment looks like a ladder or an I-beam rather than a box. It is the middle of the F-series. It carries far more than a single tube and costs and weighs considerably less than square truss, which makes it the efficient choice whenever the load runs in a straight line and you do not need strength in every direction.
Which way up does I-beam truss go?
This is the thing people get wrong. A two-chord truss is strong in the plane of its bracing and much weaker across it. Loaded vertically, with one chord above the other, it works as designed. Laid flat, with both chords side by side, it is dramatically weaker and will deflect. Always hang F32 in the orientation the manufacturer's load table assumes, and check that table rather than eyeballing it.
What lengths and brands do you stock?
Straight segments from 1.64 ft (0.5 m) up to 14.76 ft, the longest single spans in our F-series range, with 2 mm wall tube and conical connectors. Brands are Global Truss IB-40xx and ProX XT-F32. The long lengths are the reason people choose F32 for backdrops and wall washes: fewer joints across a wide room.
When should I move up to F34?
Move to square truss when the run has to carry load in more than one direction, when you are building a self-supporting goalpost or grid rather than hanging against a structure, when anything sits over people, or when the span gets long enough that deflection starts to show. F32 is a fixture-carrying beam. F34 is a structure.
How much can F32 carry?
As with any truss, the answer is a curve rather than a number: it depends on span, support points, load distribution and orientation. Global Truss and ProX each publish load tables for their own F32 parts, and that is the figure to use. Call 1-800-700-4542 and we will help you find the right table and build a parts list.
Ordering and freight
F32 segments ship LTL freight in most cases, particularly the 11.48 and 14.76 ft lengths. Call for a freight quote and delivery appointment. Everything is stocked at our Los Angeles warehouse at 934 E 11th St, with will-call pickup available.