DESIGN

ATLAS POLE DESIGN
The innovative Atlas Pole System represents a significant step forward in
tent pole design and performance. The result of a collaboration between
Mountain Hardwear, tent pole engineer Frank Tehan and Yunan Aluminum,
one of the world’s leading tent pole suppliers, this unique design
produces pole sets that are stronger, lighter, more durable and easier to
service.
ATLAS FLOATING CONNECTOR
At the heart of the system is the cold-forged Atlas Floating connector, a
revolutionary new way to join tent pole sections. Strong and light, the
Atlas Floating connector joins two identical pole sections, eliminating the
need for a swagged pole end or a fixed insert. (patent pending)
THE ATLAS DESIGN DIFFERENCE
SMOOTH, EVEN FLEX The Atlas Floating Connector allows the pole to
flex in a more even arc with less stress at the joins, making the pole
stronger and less prone to failure. The shorter length and tapered edges
of the connector allow the pole to bend into its arc evenly, eliminating
flatspots and the stress points.
LOWER WEIGHT/GREATER STRENGTH Atlas Floating Connectors weigh
45% less than traditional inserts and about the same as swagged pole
ends. They are about 13% stronger than traditional inserts and 30%
stronger than swagged pole ends.
SERVICEABILITY Even the strongest poles can be damaged by extreme
conditions. The Atlas System Pole System makes field repairs quick and
easy. All pole sections are the same, all connectors are identical, and
patented Shoktip pole ends are easily removed to access the shock
cord and dismantle the pole. No tool of any kind is required.
SMALLER PACK SIZE The more compact Atlas connector gives us the
ability to make all pole sections the same length allowing us to specify
section lengths that are substantially shorter than was previously
possible. Typical pole packages are 2"– 4" shorter.
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WHY ATLAS FLOATING CONNECTORS MAKE A BETTER POLE.
1.
The floating connector is cold forged & Anodized 7001 aluminum with yield strength of more than 102,000 PSI.
2.
Shorter, tapered floating connector prevents jamming and allows for natural curvature and flexing of poles.
3.
Floating insert is 28-50% thicker walled at joint than other inserts.
4.
Floating insert is 45% lighter than other connectors and decreases pole set weight by 10%.
5.
Completely field serviceable. The insert joining the pole sections is free floating and the pole tips are removable by hand.
6.
No risk of splitting the ends due to corrosion of press fit.
7.
No jamming or flaring of ends.
8.
No glued or press fit parts of any kind to fail.
9.
Smooth even flex. The Atlas Floating Connector allows the pole to flex in a more even arc with less stress on the joints, making the poles stronger
and less prone to failure.
10.
Smaller pack size. The more compact Atlas Connector gives us the ability to make pole sections of similar length and shorten the arch connectors.
Pole packages were reduced by 2-4 inches.
YIELD STRENGTH: The point of permanent deformation of the material. I.e., when it bends.
TENSILE STRENGTH: The point of permanent material separation. I.e., when it breaks
WE ARE OFFERING THREE TYPES OF POLES USING THE
ATLAS SYSTEM
ATLAS SCANDIUM SL poles are used in our Superlight series and lightweight Expedition tents. Alloying aluminum with Scandium creates very light poles with�
outstanding strength and durability.
ATLAS 7001 poles are used in our All Mountain series. The 7001 series alloy tubes improve on both the tensile and yield strengths of our previous offering,
and the Atlas System reduces pole set weights by approximately 15%.
NEW ATLAS XL super-strong Scandium alloy with an impressive yield strength of 109,000 psi. Anodized for both corrosion and dent resistance.
Dual-diameter Atlas connectors allow for reinforcing more highly stressed poles ends with larger diameter pole sections.
PERFORMANCE THROUGH DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY : MOUNTAINHARDWEAR.COM
Atlas connector’s cold forged, anodized, thick walled design makes it the
strongest on the market. Its tapered design reduces stress points and
allows for more even flex over the entire pole length. The results are
� a
stronger, lighter, more durable and compact pole system.
THE BENEFITS OF THE ATLAS DESIGN
STANDARD POLE DESIGN
DESIGN
ATLAS POLE SYSTEM
DESIGN
ATLAS SCANDIUM XL
We are proud to introduce another Mountain Hardwear exclusive — Atlas Scandium XL tent poles — a pole-system specifically engineered for
four-season expedition tents. Through our continuing partnership with Yunan Aluminum and engineer Frank Tehan, we have come up with a way
to make an expedition pole system that is stronger, lighter, and more durable than previous designs. Employing a cold-forged, dual-diameter Atlas
XL connector, we are able to assemble poles that are narrower and lighter in the middle and wider and beefier at the more highly stressed ends.
TM
1
UNSURPASSED STRENGTH - Yunan’s Wind-tunnel testing and Finite Elemental Analysis confirmed what we knew from field tests in Patagonia — Atlas
Scandium XLTM is a whopping 25% stronger than previous offerings.
2
EXCELLENT STRENGTH-TO-WEIGHT RATIO - Putting larger-diameter tubing where it is needed and smaller-diameter where it’s not enables us to offer a
pole-system that is both stronger and lighter.
3
DESIGN FLEXIBILITY – Dual-diameter pole technology means you can reinforce exactly where you want and trim weight where you don’t need it.
4
DURABILITY - Every part of the Atlas Scandium XLTM pole system, from the sub-zero Shok CordTM to the heat-treated aluminum, threaded pole tips, has been
engineered to last.
Atlas Scandium XL tent poles
TM
8.8 DIAMETER POLE
DUAL-DIAMETER
ATLAS XL CONNECTOR
9.8 DIAMETER POLE
MATERIALS
Standard tent poles
SCANDIUM ALUMINUM ALLOYS
WHAT IS SCANDIUM?
Scandium is currently being used in a variety of space and aeronautical ventures due to their durability and tolerance to extreme temperatures.
BENEFITS OF SCANDIUM ALLOY TENT POLES ?
Stronger, 7x5x scandium materials shows about 20% higher UTS and Yield Strength value compared with other conventional aluminum tent pole materials.
Stiffer. 8% stiffer than comparable light weight poles.
Tougher. Small grain Scandium added to aluminum tightens the alloy grain structure,which is key to an alloy's tensile strength and durability.
Resistant. Scandium Aluminum Alloy is resistant to all forms of corrosion, oxidation and recrystallization.
INSERT PERFORMANCE
INSERT
ATLAS 7075
DAC 7001
EASTON 7075
YIELD
102,000
83,000
96,000
TENSILE
123,000
96,000
102,000
MATERIAL PERFORMANCE
ELONGATION
8%
13%
10%
INSERT WALL THICKNESS
ATLAS
DAC FEATHERLIGHT
EASTON ADVANTEC
EASTON 7075
EASTON 7178
1.27mm (.050")
.91mm (.036")
.89mm (.035")
.89mm (.035")
.71mm (.028")
POLE TYPE
YUNAN 7001 T-6
YUNAN SCANDIUM
EASTON ADVANTEC
EASTON 7075
EASTON 7178
FEATHERLIGHT
YIELD
85,000
109,000
83,000
90,000
96,000
83,000
TENSILE
102,000
115,000
87,000
96,000
102,000
96,000
MATERIAL WALL THICKNESS
28% less
30% less
30% less
44% less
YUNAN 7001 T-6
YUNAN SCANDIUM
EASTON ADVANTEC
EASTON 7075
EASTON 7178
FEATHERLIGHT
.62mm (.02441")
.6mm (.02362")
.69mm (.0275")
.64mm (.02532")
.51mm (.020")
.62mm (.02441")
ELONGATION
13%
8%
7%
6.5%
6%
13%
PERFORMANCE THROUGH DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY : MOUNTAINHARDWEAR.COM
BENEFITS OF ATLAS SCANDIUM XL