Steeped in historic splendour, opera is bathed in traditions passed down from 17th century Italy. But it’s safe to say that Beckhoff’s TwinCAT PLC and motion control software isn’t one of them.
One of the world's most famous opera houses, La Scala in Milan, recently closed for major conservation work, during which Beckhoff’s PC control technology, supplied by Hayes Control Systems within the UK, was fitted to enable complex movements of stage sets.
The automation of the stage area and its elaborate backdrops was implemented by electrical specialist Elettrica Ducale, based in Cividale del Friuli, Italy. The performance area has a movable central section along with different widths that can be moved independently at speeds adjusted by electrical winches.
Beckhoff’s TwinCAT PLC and motion control software is distributed across four C6140 Industrial PCs, linked with Beckhoff's CP78xx series control panels via Digital Visual Interface (DVI) and Universal Serial Bus (USB). TwinCAT co-ordinates all movements within the stage show and incorporates 15-inch touch panels that control configurations for the whole stage.
The state of the art system allows individual products to be arranged and dismantled much more rapidly. Two different performances can now be presented on consecutive days, and the repertoire of 80 opera and 45 ballet evenings per season can be increased.
Additional work to the building, which was designed by Guiseppe Piermarini and opened its doors in 1778, involved the restoration of the auditorium, foyer, stage tower and offices. The project took three years to complete and has improved structural elements, enhanced acoustics and modernised all areas ensuring compliance with current regulations.
Source
Electrical and Mechanical Contractor
