Weather-resistant SLW linear module for smooth movements in Dior's Christmas façade

Reliable and quiet drive technology for weatherproof, lubrication-free motion applications

The design of the famous Christmas façade of the French luxury fashion house Dior presents creative and technical challenges every year. In 2024, designers were faced with the task of creating a mechanism for moving figures that could withstand all weather conditions and at the same time work quietly and maintenance-free. The solution: the weather-resistant linear module of the SLW series with an electric lead screw drive. Thanks to its special design, it can easily cope with wind, rain and frost. Thanks to the use of lubrication-free high-performance plastics, the system delivers impressive movement cycles for weeks on end - and does so almost silently.

Profile

What was needed: A weather-resistant linear module with an electric lead screw drive to reliably and quietly operate a moving Christmas installation.

Requirements: Lubrication-free, weather-resistant and quiet drive solution that works independently and maintenance-free over long periods of time.

Industry: Stage technology

Success for the customer: The SLW linear module managed hundreds of movement cycles a day without failures. Thanks to lubrication-free high-performance plastics, quiet and reliable operation was achieved - regardless of wet and frosty conditions faced by Dior's Christmas façade.

Products used

Linear axes

drylin SLW linear module with lead screw drive

Electric motors

drylin stepper motors

Problem

The Christmas installations of the French luxury fashion house Dior are synonymous worldwide with breathtaking design and technical sophistication. In 2024, the Italian creative studio Mammafotogramma took over the installation: a fairytale scene of Eiffel Towers, stars and floating accessories. The highlight of the design was a female figure that became visible through the automatic opening of double doors. However, the demanding conditions combined with high requirements for reliability and silence proved to be extremely challenging.

The main problem was to find suitable electric adjustment systems that would work consistently even in adverse weather conditions such as rain, frost and wind. Ball screws failed to meet the requirements at an early stage, as moisture, dirt and sub-zero temperatures can impair their function. However, the mechanism not only had to be robust, but also prevent the squeaking and other operating noises from disturbing the magical overall impression of the Christmas presentation. Mammafotogramma was therefore looking for a high-performance, maintenance-free and weatherproof solution.

Solution

To solve the problem, the designers decided to use an SLW linear module with an electric lead screw drive. The module has been specially developed for demanding environments that require robust and low-maintenance work. The guide rail of the linear module is made of corrosion-free aluminium that can withstand even extreme moisture and frost. A carriage on the rail, which runs over four slide bearings made of lubrication-free high-performance plastic, carries the figure holder.

The special material feature of the slide bearings is the integrated solid lubricant. This means that the sockets remain permanently lubricated without the need for external lubricants that could attract dirt. This not only ensures a long service life, but also virtually silent movement - a decisive factor in creating the right atmosphere for the installation.

The way it works is simple and efficient: as soon as the hinged doors are opened, a motor sets the lead screw and thus the carriage in motion. The holding device with the figure is gently moved forwards by the precise movements of the system. Thanks to the lubrication-free and weatherproof technology, the entire installation could be operated hundreds of times a day throughout the Christmas period without any problems.

The SLW linear module proved to be an innovative and unobtrusive solution that optimally supported the Christmas magic. From rain to frost to repeated use, the system withstood all challenges - to the satisfaction of the customer and the amazement of passers-by.