Creating a Series of Animatronic Flower Petals for a Stage Show Using the Tolomatic RSA40 Electric Actuator

March 28, 2022

DCS Electromate Creating Animatronic Flower Petals w Tolomatic Actuator 1 400

A premier manufacturer of moving stage displays for A-list entertainers was tasked with designing an overhead lighting device that transforms from a globe, into individual petals forming a flower. Each “petal” needed to be actuated independently. The entire structure needed to be as lightweight as possible to attach above the stage in diverse locations, and to minimize shipping costs. High ticket prices and large concert revenues at each event required a highly reliable actuator solution with 100% safety and no risk of failure.

Although pneumatic actuators would provide a lighter weight solution, safety and repeatability concerns determined that an electric actuator solution was required. A series of eight RSA50-HT rod-style actuators were selected to actuate each petal of the flower globe because of their high force capabilities, superior repeatability and proven dependable performance. The actuators were also equipped with gearboxes in order to stop movement of the actuators in case of complete power loss for added safety. The actuators compact retracted size allowed for easy transportation of the globe in the closed state.

In the end, the customer benefited from:

•Maximum safety for entertainers and stage crew
•Minimized space for transport
•Reliable performance for a consistent entertainment experience

To learn more about Tolomatic and the products they offer, please visit the Electromate Tolomatic page

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Put to the Ultimate Test – Part 1: Torsion Tests by HELUKABEL

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Cables and wires in industrial robots and other moving machine parts are often required to withstand extreme stresses caused by torsion. Constant repetitive movements put materials under considerable strain. At the same time, operators expect components to function perfectly and reliably throughout their entire service life to avoid disruptions, outages and safety hazards.

For this reason, at HELUKABEL, we simulate intensive and continuous torsion stresses under realistic conditions with our high-tech testing equipment in Windsbach. We have several types of apparatus for doing this because some of our customers, for example those in the automotive industry, have very precise specifications for how a torsion test is carried out. The tests show that our cables and wires withstand speeds up to 1,000°/s, accelerations up to 2,000°/s² and torsion angles up to 720°. Hence, we make sure that each product always meets our customers’ high standards, and that they receive the impeccable quality they rightly expect from us as a leading supplier of cables, wires and accessories for more than 40 years.

What Is Torsion?

To learn the answer, click here

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Festo Didactic at the Forefront of Developing Canada’s Future Work Force

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With Canadian manufacturing suffering from a growing labour shortage, the participation of industry in skills development is emerging as a vital component in hiring and retention.

The needs are stark: The Canadian Exporters and Manufacturers Association says almost 40% of its members have jobs they can’t fill. Five years from now, 60% expect to be short-staffed, especially when it comes to skilled trades. Statistics Canada forecasts the country’s labour force growth rate will remain below 0.2% for the rest of the decade, below replacement levels.

This growing shortage is affecting companies of all sizes. Already, some manufacturers acknowledge losing out on contracts because they can’t find the manpower to fulfill them.

In reality, the challenge is two-fold: to replenish and expand the workforce to help close the gap between the number of job seekers and vacancies through 2030 when the last baby boomers reach age 65, and ensure workers get opportunities throughout their careers to upgrade or add to their skillset as current technologies evolve and new ones emerge. Festo, through Festo Didactic, one of the world leading provider of equipment and solutions for technical education, intends to help Canada meet this challenge on both fronts. In essence, the approach Festo has always taken is that the learning never stops.

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