Alutruss
Alutruss – Professional Truss Systems for Every Application
Alutruss truss systems represent decades of engineering excellence in professional event technology. Whether you're rigging lighting for a concert tour, building a trade show stand, or installing permanent stage infrastructure, Alutruss delivers the structural integrity and versatility you need. From compact 1-point DECOLOCK systems for decorative installations to heavy-duty 4-point QUADLOCK trusses capable of spanning 14 metres with 570 kg distributed load, the range covers every professional requirement. Manufactured in Europe to EN-AW-6082 T6 aluminium alloy standards, Alutruss systems combine lightweight portability with exceptional strength-to-weight ratios.
What is Alutruss? Understanding Professional Aluminium Truss Systems
Alutruss is a comprehensive family of modular aluminium truss systems designed specifically for the event technology, exhibition, and entertainment industries. The name encompasses multiple product lines, each engineered for distinct load requirements and applications.
At its core, an Alutruss system consists of straight truss sections, corner pieces, and connectors that lock together using conical couplers, spigots, and safety pins. The fundamental building block is the tubular aluminium chord – typically 50 mm diameter with 2 mm wall thickness – welded to diagonal and horizontal bracing tubes to create triangulated or box-section profiles. This geometry delivers exceptional rigidity while keeping weight manageable for touring applications.
Alutruss systems are categorised by their "point" configuration: 1-point systems (DECOLOCK, SINGLELOCK) use a single main tube, ideal for decorative hanging or lightweight applications up to approximately 50 kg per metre. 2-point systems (BILOCK, DECOLOCK DQ2) feature two parallel chords connected by diagonal bracing, suitable for window displays, small exhibition stands, and retail installations with loads up to 200 kg over 2-metre spans. 3-point systems (TRILOCK) arrange three chords in a triangular cross-section, providing excellent torsional stiffness for medium-duty stage and lighting rigs – a 4-metre TRILOCK span can support 1,000 kg distributed load. 4-point systems (QUADLOCK) offer maximum load capacity with four corner chords forming a square or rectangular profile; a 6-metre QUADLOCK 6082 truss safely carries 1,500 kg when properly supported.
Compared to steel truss systems, Alutruss delivers 60–70% weight savings, critical when load-in time is tight or venue access restricts heavy equipment. Compared to cheaper pressed-aluminium systems, Alutruss uses welded construction and certified alloys, ensuring compliance with EN 1090 structural standards and DGUV Vorschrift 17 (formerly BGV C1) rigging regulations. The Quick-Lock conical connector system enables tool-free assembly in seconds – a significant advantage over bolted systems when building and striking large structures under time pressure.
Applications – Where Alutruss Truss Systems Excel
Alutruss systems are the backbone of professional event infrastructure across multiple sectors. In concert and festival production, QUADLOCK and TRILOCK trusses form the overhead grids that suspend moving lights, LED screens, and audio line arrays. A typical club installation might use 3-metre TRILOCK sections to create a 12 × 8-metre lighting grid, while arena tours deploy QUADLOCK TQ 390 or GL 400 trusses with 390–400 mm dimensions to span 20+ metres between support towers.
Trade show and exhibition stands rely heavily on Alutruss for their modular, reusable framework. BILOCK and TRILOCK systems create branded booth structures, product display walls, and suspended signage. The ability to order custom RAL powder-coat finishes means your truss can match corporate colours precisely – black, white, and custom metallics are popular for high-end automotive and technology exhibitions.
Theatre and permanent installations in clubs, houses of worship, and performance venues use QUADLOCK systems for fixed lighting bars, fly rails, and scenic rigging points. The 50 mm chord diameter accepts standard theatrical clamps and rigging hardware, and the high safety factors (typically 5:1 or greater) meet insurance and regulatory requirements for overhead public loads.
Retail and window display applications favour the lighter DECOLOCK and SINGLELOCK ranges. A 2-metre DECOLOCK DQ2 section weighs just 4 kg yet provides a clean, professional framework for hanging seasonal decorations, promotional banners, or product showcases. The aluminium's natural finish or black anodising integrates seamlessly with modern store aesthetics.
Alutruss accessories – including base plates, transport trolleys, protective cases, and truss covers – complete the ecosystem, ensuring your investment is protected during transport and storage while maintaining a polished on-site appearance.
Quality Standards and Professional Buying Criteria
When specifying Alutruss systems, understanding the technical benchmarks separates professional-grade infrastructure from budget alternatives. Material certification is paramount: genuine Alutruss trusses use EN-AW-6082 T6 aluminium alloy, a heat-treated grade offering 260–310 MPa tensile strength. This alloy resists corrosion, maintains structural integrity across temperature extremes (-40°C to +80°C), and provides the ductility needed to absorb dynamic loads from moving fixtures or wind gusts at outdoor events.
Load capacity data must reference specific span lengths and support conditions. A QUADLOCK 6082 truss rated at 1,500 kg over 6 metres assumes uniformly distributed load with supports at each end – point loads (a single heavy motor at mid-span) reduce safe capacity by approximately 50%. Alutruss publishes detailed load tables certified by TÜV SÜD, the independent testing authority recognised across Europe. Always request these tables and verify the testing standard (EN 1090-1 for structural aluminium) before committing to a purchase.
Welding quality directly impacts long-term reliability. Alutruss systems are welded by SLV-certified (Schweißtechnische Lehr- und Versuchsanstalt) technicians, ensuring consistent penetration and minimal porosity. Inspect welds for uniform bead appearance and absence of cracks – substandard welding is the primary failure mode in truss systems.
Connector precision determines assembly speed and structural performance. Alutruss conical couplers are CNC-machined to tight tolerances (±0.1 mm), ensuring the spigot seats fully and the safety pin engages without force. Loose-fitting connectors introduce play that accumulates across a large structure, causing sag and potential failure. The Quick-Lock system's self-aligning taper eliminates this risk.
Price positioning reflects these quality benchmarks: expect to invest €120–180 per metre for TRILOCK systems and €180–280 per metre for QUADLOCK, depending on dimensions and finish. Custom RAL colours add 15–20% to base pricing but deliver unmatched brand integration for high-profile events. Leading manufacturers in this quality tier include Prolyte (Netherlands), Global Truss (Taiwan/Germany), and Litec (Germany) – Alutruss competes directly on performance while often offering shorter lead times for custom orders.
LTT stocks the full Alutruss range and provides load calculation support, ensuring your truss specification meets both structural requirements and budget constraints. Our 3-year LTT guarantee covers manufacturing defects, and our in-house engineering team can validate your rigging plan against DGUV Vorschrift 17 compliance.
Alutruss vs. Competing Truss Brands – A Professional Comparison
The professional truss market offers multiple brands, each with distinct engineering philosophies and target applications. Understanding these differences helps you select the optimal system for your specific needs.
Alutruss vs. Prolyte: Prolyte, manufactured in the Netherlands, is widely regarded as the premium standard in touring production. Prolyte's H30V and X30V systems use thicker wall tubes (3 mm vs. Alutruss's 2 mm in comparable models) and achieve slightly higher load ratings – a Prolyte H40V can span 8 metres with 800 kg, where an Alutruss QUADLOCK 6082 is rated for 750 kg over the same span. However, this comes at 25–35% higher cost and 15–20% greater weight. For permanent installations where ultimate capacity justifies the investment, Prolyte excels. For touring applications where weight and budget matter, Alutruss delivers 90% of the performance at significantly lower total cost of ownership.
Alutruss vs. Global Truss: Global Truss systems, particularly the F34 and F44 series, occupy a similar market position to Alutruss with comparable pricing and performance. The key differentiator is connector design: Global Truss uses a half-conical system that some riggers find faster to assemble, while Alutruss's full-conical Quick-Lock provides more positive engagement and audible confirmation of correct seating. Both brands meet EN 1090 standards; choice often comes down to existing inventory compatibility and personal preference.
Alutruss vs. Duratruss: Duratruss targets the budget-conscious segment with pressed-tube construction rather than welded round tubes. This manufacturing method reduces cost by 30–40% but compromises long-term durability – pressed joints can fatigue under repeated assembly cycles. For one-off events or decorative applications, Duratruss offers acceptable value. For rental inventory that will see hundreds of load cycles, Alutruss's welded construction justifies the higher initial investment through extended service life.
Compatibility considerations: While many truss brands claim "universal" 290 mm spacing, subtle dimensional variations (±2–3 mm) can prevent secure connector engagement when mixing brands. Alutruss maintains tight tolerances and publishes compatibility matrices for its systems. As a best practice, maintain single-brand inventory for structural elements and use adaptor plates only for non-critical decorative extensions.
LTT's technical team can provide detailed load comparisons and compatibility verification for mixed-brand projects, ensuring your rigging meets safety standards regardless of the truss combination required.
Safety Certifications and Compliance Standards for Alutruss Systems
Professional event technology operates under strict regulatory frameworks designed to protect performers, crew, and audiences from structural failures. Alutruss systems are engineered and certified to meet these requirements, but understanding the specific standards is essential for legal compliance and insurance validity.
EN 1090-1 is the European standard for structural aluminium components. It mandates material traceability, welding procedure qualification, and non-destructive testing protocols. Alutruss maintains EN 1090-1 certification through regular TÜV SÜD audits, ensuring every truss section can be traced to its aluminium batch and welding operator. This certification is legally required for permanent installations in public buildings across the EU and increasingly demanded by event insurers for temporary structures.
DGUV Vorschrift 17 (formerly BGV C1) is the German accident prevention regulation governing scenic and rigging equipment. It requires annual inspection of all load-bearing truss systems by a qualified person (befähigte Person) and mandates minimum safety factors of 5:1 for static loads and 8:1 for dynamic loads. Alutruss publishes load tables that incorporate these safety factors, meaning the rated capacity already includes the required margin. However, you remain responsible for ensuring proper installation, regular inspection, and documentation – LTT can recommend certified inspectors and provide inspection log templates.
TÜV SÜD certification provides independent verification of Alutruss load claims. TÜV engineers conduct destructive testing on sample trusses, measuring deflection under incremental loads until failure. The resulting data establishes safe working loads with defined safety factors. Always request the TÜV test report for your specific truss model – generic claims of "TÜV tested" without model-specific documentation are insufficient for regulatory compliance.
Inspection best practices extend truss service life and maintain safety margins. Before each use, visually inspect all welds for cracks (use a magnifying glass and bright light), check connector threads for damage, and verify safety pins engage fully. After 500 load cycles or 5 years (whichever comes first), commission a detailed inspection including dye-penetrant testing of critical welds. Replace any section showing cracks, permanent deformation, or corrosion pitting deeper than 0.5 mm.
Documentation requirements for professional use include maintaining a truss inventory register (serial numbers, purchase dates, inspection history), rigging plans stamped by a qualified engineer for structures exceeding 5 metres height or 500 kg total load, and proof of insurance covering structural failure liability. LTT provides serial-numbered truss sections and can connect you with engineering consultants for complex rigging plan approval.
By adhering to these standards, you protect not only the physical safety of your events but also your business from liability claims and regulatory penalties that can reach six figures in serious incidents.
LTT – Your Specialist for Alutruss and Professional Event Technology
For over 25 years, LTT has been the trusted partner for event professionals seeking reliable truss systems and comprehensive technical support. As both a specialist retailer and manufacturer with our own production facilities in Germany, we understand the demands of professional event technology from both sides of the industry.
Our Alutruss inventory spans the complete range – from lightweight DECOLOCK systems for retail displays to heavy-duty QUADLOCK trusses for arena productions. We stock standard lengths from 0.5 to 4 metres, all common corner configurations (90°, 60°, 120°, T-pieces, crosses), and the full accessory range including conical connectors, base plates, and transport cases. Custom RAL powder-coating is available with typical lead times of 2–3 weeks, and we can fabricate non-standard lengths to your exact specifications.
What sets LTT apart is our engineering support capability. Our in-house team can review your rigging plan, calculate load distributions, and verify compliance with DGUV Vorschrift 17 and EN 1090 standards – a service that proves invaluable when dealing with venue engineers or insurance underwriters. We also maintain relationships with certified rigging inspectors across Germany and can arrange annual inspections for your truss inventory.
Shipping from our Bocholt, Germany warehouse ensures fast delivery across Europe – orders placed before 3 PM typically ship same-day, with free shipping on orders over €69. For international customers, we offer consolidated shipping and can provide all necessary export documentation. Our 3-year LTT guarantee covers manufacturing defects, and our customer service team includes experienced technicians who speak the language of professional event production.
Whether you're building your first mobile DJ rig or specifying infrastructure for a permanent theatre installation, LTT provides the Alutruss systems, technical expertise, and ongoing support that professional event technology demands. Explore our complete range online or contact our team for personalised specification assistance.
FAQ – Questions & Answers
Alutruss truss prices vary by system type and dimensions. DECOLOCK 1-point systems start around €65–90 for 0.5-metre sections, suitable for decorative applications. TRILOCK 3-point systems range from €113–165 per metre depending on length, offering medium-duty capacity for stage and exhibition use. QUADLOCK 4-point systems, the heavy-duty option for permanent installations and large spans, typically cost €180–280 per metre. Corner pieces range from €180 for simple 90° DECOLOCK corners to €480 for 4-way QUADLOCK junctions. Custom RAL powder-coat finishes add approximately 15–20% to base pricing. LTT offers competitive pricing on the full Alutruss range with free shipping on orders over €69 within Germany.
Alutruss aluminium systems differ primarily in their "point" configuration, which determines load capacity and application suitability. 1-point systems (DECOLOCK, SINGLELOCK) use a single main tube and are designed for decorative hanging or lightweight applications up to 50 kg per metre. 2-point systems (BILOCK, DECOLOCK DQ2) feature two parallel chords and handle up to 200 kg over 2-metre spans, ideal for window displays and small exhibition stands. 3-point systems (TRILOCK) arrange three chords in a triangular cross-section, providing 1,000 kg capacity over 4 metres for medium-duty stage rigging. 4-point systems (QUADLOCK) offer maximum strength with four corner chords in a box section, safely carrying 1,500 kg over 6-metre spans for permanent installations and large concert productions. All Alutruss systems use EN-AW-6082 T6 aluminium alloy with 50 mm diameter, 2 mm wall thickness tubes (except heavy-duty variants with 3 mm walls), ensuring consistent quality across the range.
Alutruss truss load capacity depends on the system type, span length, and support configuration. DECOLOCK 1-point systems handle approximately 50–100 kg over 2-metre spans for decorative use. BILOCK 2-point systems support 200–300 kg over 2–3 metres, suitable for retail and small exhibition applications. TRILOCK 3-point systems provide 1,000 kg capacity over 4 metres, 450 kg over 8 metres, and 260 kg over 12 metres with uniformly distributed loads. QUADLOCK 4-point systems deliver the highest capacity: 1,500 kg over 6 metres, 750 kg over 10 metres, and 570 kg over 14 metres. These ratings assume proper end supports and distributed loads; point loads (single heavy fixture at mid-span) reduce capacity by approximately 50%. All Alutruss load data is TÜV SÜD certified and includes the 5:1 safety factor required by DGUV Vorschrift 17. Always consult the manufacturer's load tables for your specific truss model and rigging configuration.
For permanent installations in clubs, theatres, houses of worship, and performance venues, Alutruss QUADLOCK 4-point systems are the professional choice. The QUADLOCK 6082 and QUADLOCK QL-ET series use EN-AW-6082 T6 aluminium alloy with four 50 mm diameter corner chords, delivering the high load capacity and structural rigidity required for fixed lighting grids, fly rails, and scenic rigging points. The 290 mm outer dimension accommodates standard theatrical clamps and rigging hardware, while the welded construction and TÜV SÜD certification ensure compliance with EN 1090 structural standards and DGUV Vorschrift 17 rigging regulations. For larger permanent structures, consider the QUADLOCK TQ 390 (390 mm dimension) or QUADLOCK GL 400 (400 mm dimension), which offer extended spanning capability and exceptional weight-to-load ratios for mounting heavy audio and video equipment. All QUADLOCK systems accept custom RAL powder-coat finishes, allowing seamless integration with venue aesthetics while maintaining full structural performance.
Calculating the correct Alutruss truss size requires determining your total load, span length, and support configuration. Start by listing all equipment to be suspended (lights, speakers, screens, motors) and sum their weights, adding 20% for rigging hardware (clamps, cables, safety bonds). Next, measure the required span between support points – this is your critical dimension. Consult the Alutruss load table for your chosen system: if your total load and span fall within the rated capacity with uniformly distributed load, the system is suitable. For point loads (heavy fixtures concentrated at one location), divide the rated capacity by two as a conservative safety margin. Consider dynamic loads from moving fixtures or wind exposure by applying an additional 1.5× factor to static weights. If calculations approach or exceed rated capacity, step up to the next system level (e.g., from TRILOCK to QUADLOCK) or reduce span length by adding intermediate support points. LTT's engineering team can review your calculations and provide stamped rigging plans for complex installations, ensuring compliance with DGUV Vorschrift 17 and venue insurance requirements.
Mixing Alutruss systems with other truss brands is possible but requires careful attention to dimensional compatibility and connector engagement. Most professional truss systems use a nominal 290 mm outer dimension, but manufacturing tolerances vary by ±2–3 mm between brands. Alutruss conical connectors are machined to tight tolerances and will engage properly with Global Truss, Eurotruss, and some Prolyte systems that maintain similar dimensional standards. However, Duratruss and budget-tier brands often have looser tolerances that prevent secure connector seating, introducing dangerous play in the structure. Never mix brands in primary load-bearing elements (main spans, corner junctions) – use single-brand construction for structural integrity. Mixing is acceptable for non-critical decorative extensions or when using purpose-made adaptor plates that compensate for dimensional differences. Always test-fit connectors before committing to a mixed-brand design, verify that safety pins engage fully, and reduce rated load capacity by 20% as a precautionary measure. LTT can provide compatibility verification and adaptor solutions for projects requiring mixed-brand truss integration.
Essential Alutruss accessories ensure safe, efficient assembly and long-term system protection. Conical connectors, spigots, and safety pins are the fundamental joining hardware – always purchase spares, as lost pins are the most common cause of on-site delays. Base plates provide stable floor support for vertical truss towers and must be rated for your total vertical load; Alutruss offers models rated from 200 kg to 1,000 kg. Clamps and couplers attach lighting fixtures, speakers, and other equipment to the truss tubes – specify TÜV-rated clamps with appropriate load capacity (typically 100–300 kg) and ensure they fit the 50 mm tube diameter. Transport cases protect truss sections during shipping and storage, preventing the scratches and dents that compromise structural integrity and appearance. Truss covers (socks) conceal cables and provide a clean aesthetic for high-profile events. For frequent assembly/disassembly, invest in a truss hammer (pin claw) to remove tight safety pins without damaging threads. LTT stocks the complete Alutruss accessory range and can recommend the optimal combination for your specific application and usage pattern.
Alutruss truss systems require inspection frequency based on usage intensity and regulatory requirements. DGUV Vorschrift 17 (formerly BGV C1) mandates annual inspection by a qualified person (befähigte Person) for all load-bearing event technology equipment, regardless of usage. For rental inventory or touring systems that see frequent assembly cycles, conduct visual inspections before each use: check all welds for cracks using a bright light and magnifying glass, verify connector threads are undamaged, confirm safety pins engage fully, and look for permanent deformation or corrosion. After 500 load cycles or 5 years (whichever comes first), commission a detailed inspection including dye-penetrant testing of critical welds by a certified inspector. Replace any section showing cracks, bends exceeding 2 mm deviation from straight, or corrosion pitting deeper than 0.5 mm. Maintain an inspection log with serial numbers, dates, inspector credentials, and findings – this documentation is essential for insurance claims and regulatory compliance. LTT can connect you with certified rigging inspectors across Germany and provide inspection log templates that meet DGUV Vorschrift 17 requirements.
Express delivery possible
