Individually, the brands within Altra Industrial Motion Corporation produce some of the world’s most capable, efficient and reliable mechanical components. Together, the possibilities for stage designers are limited only by the imagination.
When the set is one of the production’s stars, designers need mechanical “actors” they can rely upon. Modern theater productions are taking performance to new heights, with complex, tightly coordinated mechanical motion an intrinsic part of the audience experience.
The unique challenges of theatrical automation require components to integrate seamlessly to create a smooth, silent and totally reliable experience. Altra’s engineers are able to benefit from the expertise of various specialized brands to develop complete systems that are designed for the theater. It is the breadth and depth of the group’s offerings that is helping set designers to surprise and delight their audiences with unprecedented scale and sophistication.
When human actors work in close proximity to moving loads, it is vital that motion stops in precisely the right position – every time. Geared cam limit switches from Stromag perform this role every day in many of the world’s largest and most famous theaters and TV studios.
The company’s Series 51 range is based on a unique planetary gear design that can map a wide range of shaft rotations to the angular displacements of the installed cam discs. They provide an ideal solution in applications where angles or distances cannot be directly limited by switchgear, but must be determined by the rotation of a shaft. Meeting the highest industry standards, the modular design, wide range of possible gear ratios (from 4.1 to 16,000 turns) and simple, precise adjustment make these units appropriate for numerous applications including hoists and spindle lifts.
Control of energy consumption is an increasing priority in theater applications. Components that deliver power more efficiently don’t just cut energy costs and reduce environmental impact, they also generate less heat, simplifying equipment packaging and improving long-term reliability.
Over the past 90 years, Bauer Gear Motor has become the preferred international provider of high-quality, reliable geared motors. The company’s latest offerings make use of a range of technically advanced solutions using high-efficiency permanent-magnet motors and optimized gearbox designs.
To bring heavy and fast-moving loads to a controlled stop, theatrical automation systems require effective, quiet brakes. A longstanding specialist in the design and manufacture of spring actuated, electrically released brakes for a wide range of industrial applications, Warner Electric has developed a specialized range of products offering braking torques of 5 to 5,000 Nm to suit the specific requirements of stage applications.
These products have low noise emissions, below 50 dB(A), and constant torque levels throughout the lifecycle of the brake. They can be optimized for high-speed, high-torque applications or to deliver maximum torque in a small installation envelope. Optional additional features include manual release, release monitoring and various, hub, cover and connector configurations. Warner brakes use a modular design and can be configured as single or double circuit designs, or in multiple magnet arrangements.
To bring all the parts together, Altra Industrial Motion offers users comprehensive engineering and development support. Altra engineers work with TV and theater industry clients right from the initial concept stage, providing a one-stop shop for the design, engineering, delivery and ongoing support of the complete automation system.
Specifying each component from a single source saves time, reduces risk, and ensures each customer receives a solution tailored to the exact needs of their application. Products and systems are designed to comply with the most recent regulations and directives, including BGV C1, DIN 56950-1; DGUV Vorschrift 17 and EN81-20/50. And, because the modern theater is a fast-moving and global business, Altra backs up its engineering expertise with fast, flexible delivery and worldwide service and support. With Altra Industrial Motion working behind the scenes, you can afford to relax and enjoy the performance.
Altra Industrial Motion
www.altramotion.com