Long before it found use as a framework product for exhibition booths and stage roof systems, trussing section was used in theatres and music venues as lighting rigs. Starting off as modified steel scaffold scenery poles, a purpose built aluminium version was soon developed for its obvious benefits of significant weight saving and cheaper cost.
Suitability
Professional lighting units for the most part are designed to be suspended at height from built in handles or chassis points, and easily secured with the industry standard G shape fixing clamps onto pole shaped structures. The nature of a standard stage lighting rig layout means a strong straight fixing system is perfect for the easy location of multiple fixtures, with the clamp fixings and truss surface area allowing easy sideways positioning and position changes, something not possible from units mounted direct to the walls or ceiling.
Versatility
Other benefits of trussing is in all its forms, even ladder truss if installed horizontally, is that it can function as a cable management tray for all the attached lighting fixtures, so the multitude of power and DMX control lines are easily dealt with, and remain quickly accessible for servicing and fixture changes.
It also means that the entire rig can be lowered to floor height in one go, making repairs, troubleshooting or layout changes as simple and safe as possible.
Performance
The loading capability of modern professional aluminium truss is considerable, with for example a 6m width of our UK made square / quad truss having a total mass loading of 632 kg when the equipment is spanned into a safe fixture pattern.
This provides more than ample scope required for the use of any luminaires on the market, with the average weight now being 10 kg or less for standard range products, and 30-40 kg for the industrial theatre lights.
Diversity in use
For performance lighting rigs and stage shows, trussing can be supplied in circular and semicircular format in a range of diameters, made up from curved sectional pieces.
Rock bands such as Queen and Pink Floyd have made show features from electrically lowering and tilting circle trussing with its edge loaded with moving head lights or fixed spots, and using the centre section as a video projection surface through use of canvas. The trussings strength and durability in use allows this movement whilst under load to be possible.
Trussing and performance lighting go hand in hand, they always have and always will as it offers the strongest and simplest solution to the mounting and display of multiple effects or area defining lighting solutions. Professional grade aluminium trussing offers fantastic durability and longevity in all manner of environments and is an investment that will pay for itself repeatedly over its long life.
