Brake motors provide a change of scenery

WEG's VDE certified brake motors are providing stage and scenery movement in one of the most prestigious and modern theatres in Europe, the National Theatre of Budapest.

WEG's VDE certified brake motors are providing stage and scenery movement in one of the most prestigious and modern theatres in Europe, the National Theatre of Budapest.

The motors have been installed as part of a major reconstruction project, which has taken 18 months and has transformed the Theatre into one of the most modern cultural institutions in Europe.

Comprehensively designed and employing the latest computer-controlled equipment, the National has all the flexibility required of modern theatres, providing infinite arrangements of sets and scenery to accommodate several productions simultaneously.

This is possible as each set design is configured as a "module" and brought to centre stage as required under computer control.

Central to this flexibility is a stage surface divided into 72 individual platforms, each one measuring 1 x 2m.

These move simultaneously and in perfect synchronisation, thanks to the computerised system and to the electrical drive system mounted in the gallery, high above the stage.

The drive system consists of tubes mounted with an integrated guide, positioning measuring system and a braking driving function, the latter performed by WEG's VDE certified brake motors.

A total of 48 WEG brake motors are installed on winches in the upper levels of the theatre.

These units have a traction capacity of 300kg and offer output power of 5.5kW.

In addition, another 33 winches equipped with WEG brake motors are employed to move scenery.

These, in common with the gallery winches, operate at maximum speeds of 1.0m/s, but offer higher traction capacity and output driving power, at 400kg and 7.5kW, respectively.

WEG's brake motors are ideal for this application; they can be used on any machine - crane, elevator, or conveyor - that requires quick stopping for safety's sake.

The motors' integrated design means that they provide a highly compact, yet robust and reliable solution.

They also offer the benefits of slow, medium or rapid braking, and the facility to be installed in any position, providing the motor is not exposed to excessive amounts of water, oil or abrasive dust.

The integrated brake is extremely sturdy with few moving parts, a construction that ensures long durability with minimum levels of maintenance, which is ideal for theatres where motors are difficult to reach in elevated galleries.

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