What is a Lighting Truss?
Lighting truss or stage lighting truss is a structural framework used to support and position lighting equipment, such as stage lights, or other fixtures, in various settings like concerts, theaters, events, and film productions; It is typically made of aluminum or steel.
Common Types of Lighting Trusses:
How much weight can stage lighting truss hold?
The weight capacity of a lighting truss depends on several factors: the type of truss (ladder truss, triangular truss, square truss, etc.), the material used (typically high-grade aluminum alloys like 6061-T6 or 6082-T6), and the design and installation method. The most common types are steel truss and aluminum truss. Additionally, load distribution—whether the load is evenly distributed or concentrated—plays a significant role.
Steel trusses can withstand slightly heavier weights, but due to their own weight and processing challenges, aluminum trusses are more prevalent in the stage lighting industry. Aluminum trusses are lightweight yet strong enough to carry heavy equipment.
Below is a table detailing the weight capacity of aluminum trusses:
Srew-type Square Truss:
Aluminum truss with dimensions of 300×300mm:
- Dimensions (W×H): 300×300mm
- Main Tube: Φ50×3mm
- Vice Tube: Φ30×2mm
- Brace: Φ25×2mm
Weight-Bearing Capacity (Distributed Load):
| Length (ft/m) | Distributed Load (kg/lb) |
|---|---|
| 19.68504ft (6m) | 337742.95 kg/lb |
| 26.24672ft (8m) | 245540.13 kg/lb |
| 29.527ft (9m) | 190418.87 kg/lb |
| 32.8084ft (10m) | 150930.69 kg/lb |
| 39.37008ft (12m) | 100220.46 kg/lb |
Aluminum truss with dimensions of 500×500mm:
- Dimensions (W×H): 500×500mm
- Main Tube: Φ50×3mm
- Vice Tube: Φ50×2mm
- Brace: Φ25×2mm
Weight-Bearing Capacity (Distributed Load):
| Length (ft/m) | Distributed Load (kg/lb) |
|---|---|
| 39.37008ft (12m) | 1100 kg / 2425.08 lb |
| 45.9317585ft (14m) | 1050 kg / 2314.85 lb |
| 52.4934383ft (16m) | 1000 kg / 2204.62 lb |
| 59.0551181ft (18m) | 800 kg / 1763.69 lb |
| 65.6167979ft (20m) | 900 kg / 1984.16 lb |
Length vs. Load Capacity: As the length of the truss increases, the distributed load capacity decreases. This is typical for trusses, as longer spans are subject to greater bending forces.
Material and Design: The truss is made of aluminum with specific tube dimensions, which contribute to its strength and weight-bearing capacity.
Practical Considerations
Safety Factor: Always apply a safety factor (e.g., 2:1 or 3:1) to the load capacity to ensure the truss is not overloaded.
Installation: Proper installation and support points are critical to achieving the stated load capacity.
Load Distribution: Ensure the load is evenly distributed to avoid exceeding the truss's capacity at any point.
Spigot-type Square Truss:
Aluminum truss with dimensions of 290×290mm:
- Dimensions (W×H): 290×290mm
- Main Tube: Φ50×3mm
- Vice Tube: None (the four sides are sloped tubes)
- Brace: Φ20×2mm
Weight-Bearing Capacity (Distributed Load):
| Length (ft/m) | Distributed Load (kg/lb) |
|---|---|
| 19.68504ft (6m) | 1200 kg / 2645.54 lb |
| 26.24672ft (8m) | 900 kg / 1984.16 lb |
| 32.8084ft (10m) | 700 kg / 1543.23 lb |
| 39.37008ft (12m) | 600 kg / 1322.77 lb |
| 45.9317585ft (14m) | 500 kg / 1102.31 lb |
Aluminum truss with dimensions of 520×520mm
- Dimensions (W×H): 520×520mm
- Main Tube: Φ50×3mm
- Vice Tube: Φ50×2mm
- Brace: Φ25×2mm
Weight-Bearing Capacity (Distributed Load):
| Length (ft/m) | Distributed Load (kg/lb) |
|---|---|
| 39.37ft (12m) | 1400 kg / 3086.47 lb |
| 45.931ft (14m) | 1250 kg / 2755.77 lb |
| 52.49ft (16m) | 1000 kg / 2204.62 lb |
| 59.055ft (18m) | 900 kg / 1984.16 lb |
| 65.61ft (20m) | 800 kg / 1763.69 lb |
Spigot-type Square Truss
Design and Connection:
- Spigot Connection: This type of truss uses a spigot (a pin or peg) to connect the sections. The spigot fits into a corresponding socket, creating a secure joint.
- Ease of Assembly: Spigot-type trusses are generally quicker to assemble because the spigot and socket system is straightforward. You just slide the spigot into the socket, and you're good to go.
- Stability: Once connected, the spigot system provides a stable and rigid structure, which is crucial for heavy loads or long spans.
Common Uses:
- Temporary Structures: Often used in stages, event rigging, and temporary installations where quick assembly and disassembly are needed.
- Light to Medium Loads: Suitable for applications that don't require extreme weight-bearing capacity.
Screw-type Square Truss
Design and Connection:
- Screw Connection: This type uses screws or bolts to secure the truss sections together. The screws are tightened to ensure a firm connection.
- Adjustability: Screw-type trusses offer more adjustability. You can fine-tune the tightness of the connection, which can be useful in certain setups.
- Strength and Durability: The screw connections provide a very strong and durable joint, making this type of truss suitable for heavier loads and more permanent installations.
Common Uses:
- Permanent Installations: Often used in permanent structures like building frameworks, bridges, and other applications where long-term stability is crucial.
- Heavy Loads: Ideal for situations where the truss needs to support significant weight, such as in industrial settings or large-scale event rigging.
Key Differences
1. Connection Method:
- Spigot-type: Uses a spigot and socket system.
- Screw-type: Uses screws or bolts for connection.
2. Assembly Speed:
- Spigot-type: Faster to assemble due to the simplicity of the spigot system.
- Screw-type: Takes longer because each screw needs to be tightened.
3. Adjustability:
- Spigot-type: Less adjustable once connected.
- Screw-type: More adjustable, allowing for fine-tuning.
4. Load Capacity:
- Spigot-type: Suitable for light to medium loads.
- Screw-type: Better for heavy loads and more demanding applications.
5. Common Applications:
- Spigot-type: Temporary structures, stages, event rigging.
- Screw-type: Permanent installations, heavy-duty applications.
In summary, if you're looking for something quick and easy to set up for a temporary event, go with the Spigot-type Square Truss. But if you need something robust and adjustable for a more permanent or heavy-duty application, the Screw-type Square Truss is your best bet. Both have their place in the industry, and choosing the right one depends on your specific needs.
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