Change Language :
Professional Stage Rigging Systems
Find the Best Motion Plastics Products for Stage Rigging Systems
For an event to be a success without technical breakdowns, machine components that work reliably and quietly are needed. Our energy supply systems and plain bearing products do exactly that and are also maintenance-free and lightweight. We have special energy chain solutions ready for any type of movement, but especially vertical movements, such as those for lighting hoists and holding devices, movable gantry bridges, video screens, stage podiums, and loudspeakers. Our energy chains safely guide cables for the stage lighting, sound, video, building services, and drive technology.
Benefits igus stage rigging systems:
- Data and energy guided safely and reliably
- Trouble-free operation
- Quiet and low-vibration
- For smallest bend radii and installation spaces
- Robust and easy to install
Vertical lighting hoist, portal bridges, and video cube movement
If lighting hoists, video walls, projectors, chandeliers, or loudspeakers move vertically on the stage or in the auditorium, the cable package must also be guided safely. If the system is not to be seen or if its weight prevents it from being transported, our e-spool cable drum without a slip ring is ideal. Otherwise, the zig-zag system is a good alternative.
Scissor lift stage platform
If stage podiums move up and down, all associated cables for the drive, media, and lighting technology must move with them. Thee-spool allows energy chain deflections. The zig-zag system is used to supply the follow-up podium with the necessary cables. Maintenance-free iglide Q3E heavy-duty plain bearings and drylin W linear guides are used for scissor lift podiums.
White Paper:
Vertical chain hoists in stage rigging
Like every industry, stage technology has its own requirements regarding machine parts and materials. In this white paper, we would like to give you six tips for selecting and designing vertical energy supply systems for stage technology
Horizontally moving portal towers
In order to change the portal section, the portal towers in theatres can often be moved. Since the towers are equipped with technology, safe energy supply is necessary. This is where our E4.1-series e-chains come in. The chain either moves in a trough below the work gallery or hangs freely in a U-shape on the tower.
Curtain scissor hoist
Scissor hoists are used to open and close curtains evenly, especially with heavy fabrics. iglide G plain bearings and thrust washers are used in the joints. If the drives for horizontal opening also move, the zig-zag system is a good solution for safely guiding the cables.
Linear guidance of the cable drum or deflection rollers in drive systems
If the cable drum for stage machinery winches is very close to the first guide roller, the cable drum or guide roller must be moved in parallel. This ensures that the steel cables are always safely guided when they are wound on and off the drum. Our lubrication-free drylin W and drylin R linear guides or a drylin linear axis with lead screw drive are usually used here. When they are moving, the cables are also securely guided in an E2.1 energy chain. xiros conveyor rollers guide the cables on the drum.
Horizontal stage trolley movement
Energy chains ensure a safe power supply for moving horizontal elements on the stage such as stage trolleys and LED video walls. Our noise-reducing E6-series e-chains or thee-spool cable drum are suitable for this application.
Telescoping galleries
In telescoping spectator galleries, cables for the step lighting must be moved by such means as E2.1 or E4Q e-chains. Our maintenance-free plastic slide bushes made from iglide G or iglide J are ideal for the bearing points in the seat tilting mechanism.
Products for camera technology
Our lubrication-free plain bearings and linear technology components in combination with energy chains for linear and 3D movements ensure that camera dollies, camera sliders, and camera cranes move quietly and without vibration and that cables are guided compactly and safely.
Stage Rigging Customer Applications
We have been able to help many customers improve the movement of their event technology. Browse through our customer projects that use our energy chain systems, flexible cables, and plain bearings: moving seating and stage podiums, stage sets, acoustic and lighting systems, camera robots, and complex multimedia installations.
Stage Rigging Systems FAQs
The main types of stage rigging systems include:
- Manual counterweight systems
- Motorized rigging systems
- Automated computerized systems
- Hemp rigging (rope sets)
- Hybrid systems (combining manual and automated elements)
Each type offers different benefits in terms of cost, control, and complexity.
Vertical energy chains enhance stage rigging by:
- Organizing and protecting cables during movement
- Reducing wear and tear on electrical components
- Allowing smooth operation of moving set pieces
- Minimizing the risk of cable entanglement
- Facilitating easier maintenance and cable replacement
- Improving the overall aesthetics of the rigging system
A counterweight rigging system:
- Uses weights to balance the load of suspended equipment
- Consists of a rope, pulleys, arbor (weight holder), and batten
- Allows manual operation with minimal effort
- Provides precise control for smooth movements
- Requires regular inspection and balancing
- Is common in traditional theater settings
Advantages of motorized rigging systems include:
- Increased lifting capacity for heavier loads
- Precise and repeatable movements
- Reduced physical labor for operators
- Enhanced safety through built-in limit switches
- Ability to handle complex cue sequences
- Faster scene changes and set transitions
- Improved energy efficiency with modern motors
Maintaining stage rigging systems involves:
- Daily visual inspections before use
- Weekly functional checks of all moving parts
- Monthly detailed inspections of cables, connections, and wear points
- Annual comprehensive inspections by certified professionals
- Immediate replacement of worn or damaged components
- Regular lubrication of moving parts
- Keeping detailed maintenance logs
Essential safety features in modern rigging systems:
- Load cells for real-time weight monitoring
- Redundant braking systems
- Emergency stop buttons at multiple locations
- Overtravel limit switches
- Slack line detection sensors
- Automated fault detection and reporting
- Backup power systems for controlled emergency lowering
Factors to consider when choosing a rigging system:
- Venue size and layout
- Types of productions typically hosted
- Available budget for installation and maintenance
- Existing infrastructure and power capabilities
- Required load capacities and speed of operation
- Level of automation desired
- Local building codes and regulations
- Expertise level of available operators
The "zig-zag" system in stage rigging:
- Uses a folding pattern for cable management
- Allows for compact storage of cables when retracted
- Provides smooth extension and retraction of cables
- Reduces stress on cables during movement
- Is ideal for applications with limited space
- Can be used in both vertical and horizontal setups
- Enhances the lifespan of cables and connectors
Brochure:
Explore Our Brochure for Cutting-Edge Solutions in the Stage rigging Industry!
Discover silent, maintenance-free solutions that will keep your shows running smoothly. Download our theater industry catalog now and take the first step towards more reliable, cost-effective stage equipment.
More professional stage rigging equipment resources
igus online tools
Configure desired product online, calculate service life, reduce process costs
Stage lighting equipment
Maintenance-free bearing technology and quiet e-chains for spotlights, lasers, and other light effect devices
Learn moreContact Us
Questions or product information? Please contact:
Customer Service:
Monday to Friday from 8 am - 8 pm
Online:
24h