Method of marking truss systems

Abstract

There is provided a method of marking truss systems including the steps of: inputting project/customer data at point of sale into a mass-customized truss system design engine; generating manufacture information by the design engine; providing a plurality of truss members; and marking each of the plurality of truss members with the manufacturing information. In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of marking truss systems comprising the steps of: determining a plurality of roll formed members for a particular truss system having a plurality of in-plane trusses and out-of-plane members connected to the in-plane trusses; and roll forming, cutting and marking at least a portion of the plurality of roll formed members providing detailed and complete information for: assembling the in-plane trusses; erecting the in-plane trusses; and installing the out-of-plane members.

1 . A method of marking truss systems comprising the steps of:
 determining a plurality of members to be connected at a plurality of nodes for a particular truss system having a plurality of in-plane trusses and out-of-plane members connected to the in-plane trusses;   roll forming and cutting the plurality of members; and   marking at least one of the plurality of members to be connected at each node with information regarding other members to be joined at each node so that the information provides instruction for assembling the truss system.   
     
     
         2 . A method of marking truss systems as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the plurality of members includes a plurality of bottom chords, a plurality of top chords and a plurality of web members. 
     
     
         3 . A method of marking truss systems as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the out-of-plane members include one of bridging members, trusses and a combination thereof. 
     
     
         4 . A method of marking truss systems as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the bottom chords and the top chords have the markings thereon. 
     
     
         5 . A method of marking truss systems as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the markings include guide lines showing the orientation of the members at the node. 
     
     
         6 . A method of marking truss systems as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the markings further include information regarding connectors and bridging members where required. 
     
     
         7 . A method of marking truss systems as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the markings are made by way of one of ink and etching. 
     
     
         8 . A method of marking truss systems as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the markings include information chosen from the group consisting of project number, diagonal web left, diagonal web right, vertical web, bridging, connector and a combination thereof. 
     
     
         9 . A method of marking truss systems including the steps of:
 inputting project/customer data into a mass-customized truss system design engine;   generating manufacture information by the design engine;   providing a plurality of truss members to be connected at a plurality of nodes; and   marking the plurality of truss members with the manufacturing information and at least one of the plurality of truss members to be connected at each node with information regarding other truss members to be joined at each node.   
     
     
         10 . A method of marking truss systems as claimed in  claim 9  wherein the manufacture information includes part types, size and truss part marking. 
     
     
         11 . A method of marking truss systems as claimed in  claim 10  wherein the manufacture information is marked adjacent to each node. 
     
     
         12 . A method of marking truss systems as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the information further provides instruction for assembling in-plane trusses and installing out of plane members.