LDI2009 has announced a course on Pneumatics For The Stage, covering the working principles of pneumatic actuators, valves, and other ancillary components in a pneumatic system, as well as teaching participants how to size components for simple pneumatic systems, read and understand simple pneumatic control circuits, and assemble and trouble-shoot simple pneumatic control circuits. 

This course is designed for entertainment industry professionals who design or build automated stage machinery will benefit from this class. The course will cover product application and pneumatic theory suitable for those involved in the design and/or automation of stage machinery. The instructor, Jon Jensen* of SMC was a technical director in a previous life, and still remembers how to "speak theatre."

“Any colleges or university theatre departments should be interested,” says Jensen. “Technical directors and anyone who does design of theatrical productions, amusement parks, animatronic figures, museum interactive exhibits, etc. would also be interested, as well as technicians in theme parks, special effects people...”

Participants will:

     1)  Identify common pneumatic components
     2)  Understand what components are necessary for a successful pneumatic system
     3) Be able to read a simple pneumatic schematic
     4)  Assemble and troubleshoot simple pneumatic circuits
     5)  Participate in open discussion regarding entertainment related
applications and possible solutions

      Students may want a calculator and pencil.

Approximately half of the day will be spent "hands on" reading diagrams and assembling circuits.  These circuits will demonstrate cylinder control and common misconceptions about pneumatic circuitry.

Presented in association with the ESTA Foundation Seminars & Training Commitee. The SMC Pneumatic textbook will be provided.

Register before October 16 and save $100.

*Jon Jensen first worked at SMC as a technical representative, fielding customer requests for advice on part numbers, spare parts, and product application. He began managing the training department in 2003, where he and a staff of nine teach a broad range of courses covering Pneumatics, Electro-Pneumatics, Vacuum Technology, and Troubleshooting.