Pneumatics

Ok randomish...but...Does anyone had any prior experience of using pneumatics in a performance?I am trying to source a pneumatic "lift" (we are unable to use hydraulics) able to raise a person and am finding it difficult...If anyone has worked with them before or could recommend a company that may be able to help it would be very helpful!!

Are you making your own lift and just want the pneumatics to make it work? There are specialist pneumatic companies such as SMC and Festo. There are a couple that come to mind. I haven't used pneumatics in a theatre environment, but do so in my line of work as an industrial electrician. I'm curious to know why you can use pneumatics, but not hydraulics. Both require a pump of some kind, and therefore a power source. I would have thought if you could power one, you could use either. If you tell us where you are, someone might be able to point you in the right direction. www.meltheco.org.au

The rules of the event state that we cannot use hydraulics, only pneumatices.Unfortunately I am not sure of the resaon we are just given this specification. At this stage we are looking for the parts to construct it ourselves, but are more than happy to buy a unit if we find a suitable one.I am in Sydney.Thanks guys

Most likely because hydraulics, when they go wrong... go wrong quite messily! What's your load and what's your budget? One of the disadvantages of pneumatics is volume and pressure required to lift relatively small loads. If you could explain a little more about the specific requirements I may be able to advise... include: load, height requirement, speed (is it a quick lift or a graceful one?), number of times of operation per performance (or even rehearsal). If you can get away with one tank charge rather than using an accumulator it may be a little cheaper. So, give me as much as you can and I'll try to help