Truss circles
Truss Circles from the Event Technology Specialist
Do you want to give trade fair stands, concert stages, theatres or banner frames a striking visual signature? Truss circles bring movement, curvature and depth to any rig — turning a flat construction into a real eye-catcher. As your specialist for event technology, LTT offers professional truss circles from Naxpro-Truss in diameters from 2 m to 10 m, with custom sizes and RAL colours on request.
Whether you stage a club night, build a fair stand or hang a circular lighting ring above the dance floor, curved truss elements always create that wow effect. Browse the range below and choose the circle that fits your project — engineered, manufactured and shipped from Germany.
What Is a Truss Circle? Fundamentals and Construction from Segments
A truss circle (also called a circular truss or ring truss) is a special component in event technology: a closed ring made of curved aluminium truss. Unlike straight truss lengths, the load-bearing chords are bent to a defined radius, so several elements join into a full circle, a half circle or any partial arc.
Built from individual segments
A truss circle is composed of multiple segments. Each segment can be installed on its own, which makes the construction extremely flexible: you build full rings, semi-circles or single arc sections from the same parts. A typical circle is divided into 2, 4, 8 or 12 segments, depending on the diameter — common cuts are 90°, 360° or 1.5 m segments.
Light weight, high load capacity
The key advantage of a truss circle is the combination of low weight and high load capacity. The aluminium construction stays light enough for mobile touring use, yet rigid enough for static installations in fixed venues. That is why truss circles suit both temporary events and permanent rigging.
Distinction from straight truss
While straight truss systems form rectangular grids, gates and towers, the truss circle is the go-to solution whenever you need rounded shapes — lighting rings, circular banner frames or curved stage edges that straight truss simply cannot create.
Diameters, Segmentation and RAL Colours
The diameter and segmentation define how a truss circle looks and how it behaves on site. At LTT, Naxpro-Truss circles are offered as standard with a diameter from 2 m up to 10 m, measured from the outer edges. Need something larger? Custom sizes and circles over 10 m diameter are available on request.
Typical segmentation
The larger the diameter, the more segments make up a complete circle. As a rule of thumb:
- Ø 2 m: 2 or 4 segments
- Ø 3–4 m: 4 segments
- Ø 5–6 m: 8 segments
- Ø 7–9 m: 8 or 12 segments
- Ø 10 m: 12 segments
More segments mean shorter, lighter individual parts that pack more efficiently for transport and assemble with standard conical connectors.
RAL colours and finishes
Truss circles are available in all common RAL colours, so the construction blends into your stage design or corporate branding. The natural mill-finish aluminium remains the standard, while a black powder-coated finish is a popular choice for concert and club applications — typically available at a surcharge and with a slightly extended lead time.
Choosing the right split
For mobile, frequently re-rigged setups, choose a higher segment count for handling and packing. For static installations, a lower segment count reduces the number of connection points and speeds up the build. Either way, every segment stays fully compatible with the matching straight truss of the same series.
Naxpro-Truss Series and Truss Types for Circles (FD21 to GS94)
Truss circles can be built from different truss profiles. The right profile depends on the load you plan to hang and the system you already own. LTT manufactures circles from the Naxpro-Truss series, which keeps every circle compatible with the matching straight truss.
Naxpro-Truss series at a glance
- FD21-24: 35 mm ⌀ chord tube, 2 mm wall thickness — light series for decorative loads and smaller spans.
- FD31-44: 50 mm ⌀ chord tube, 2 mm wall thickness — the versatile workhorse for most stage and trade fair circles.
- HD31-44: 50 mm ⌀ chord tube, 3 mm wall thickness — heavy-duty version for higher loads and larger diameters.
- GS94: 60 mm ⌀ chord tube, 5 mm wall thickness, with 40 x 3 mm diagonal tubes — the strongest series for demanding professional rigging.
Truss types you can form into a circle
Truss circles are not limited to one profile shape. You can build them from:
- 1-point truss (FD21 / FD31) — a single tube bent to a ring, ideal for light decorative arcs.
- 2-point truss in horizontal or vertical orientation.
- 3-point truss with the triangle tip pointing inside, outside, up or down.
- 4-point truss (e.g. FD34 / DT31 class with 50 mm tube and 2 mm wall) for maximum rigidity and the cleanest look from every angle.
The 4-point circle is the most popular choice for lighting rings and prominent fair stands because it carries fixtures on all four faces and looks symmetrical from any viewing direction.
Load Capacity, Statics and Safety Standards (WLL, DGUV V17, EN 1090)
Load capacity is the criterion that separates a decorative gimmick from a professional rigging element. The working load limit (WLL) of a truss circle depends on the series, the diameter, the segmentation and the suspension concept — a 4-point HD31 circle carries far more than a light FD21 ring, and a smaller diameter with more suspension points always handles higher point loads than a large, sparsely rigged circle.
Always work with statics
Because the load distribution of a curved truss differs from a straight span, you should never estimate the capacity by eye. Request the load data for the specific diameter and segmentation, and have suspended circles verified by a qualified rigger or structural calculation before fixtures, banners or LED rings are added.
Standards and compliance
Professional truss circles in event technology are designed and produced with the relevant standards in mind:
- DGUV Vorschrift 17 (formerly BGV C1) — the German regulation for stages and production sites.
- EN 1090 — execution of aluminium and steel structures.
- DIN 4112 / DIN 4113 — the design standards for temporary structures and aluminium constructions.
- TÜV SÜD assessments for verified safety of the load-bearing system.
Material that earns trust
The chords are made from high-grade aluminium alloy EN-AW 6082 T6 (AlMgSi1), the established material for professional truss. Combined with proper conical connectors, bolts and safety splints, this gives you a system that is both light and dependably strong — exactly what venues, technicians and insurers want to see documented.
Assembly, Rigging and Accessories for Truss Circles
A truss circle is only as good as the way its segments are joined and suspended. Understanding the hardware saves time on site and keeps the construction safe.
Joining the segments
Naxpro-Truss circle segments connect with standardised conical connectors secured by bolts and safety splints. Each connection point uses the same proven hardware as the straight truss of the series, so you assemble a full ring quickly and without special tools. Always insert and lock every splint — an unsecured connector is the most common cause of failure.
Suspending the circle
To hang a truss circle you need suitable rigging accessories: shackles, steel slings, chain hoists and load-rated couplers. The number and position of suspension points directly determine the achievable load — distribute them evenly around the ring to avoid deformation.
Matching accessories
For a complete, safe build you typically add:
- Riggatec couplers and clamps for attaching fixtures and additional truss.
- Conical connectors, bolts and safety splints as spare and replacement parts.
- Steel ropes, shackles and round slings for suspension.
- Chain hoists and motors for moving and adjusting the height of the ring.
- Baseplates and outriggers when the circle is ground-supported rather than flown.
Keeping a small stock of spare connectors and splints means a lost or damaged part never stops your build.
Applications: Where Truss Circles Are Used
Truss circles appear wherever a rig needs a rounded, dynamic shape that straight truss cannot deliver. Their applications span the whole event and exhibition world.
Trade fair stands
A circular truss above a stand instantly defines the booth, carries signage and lighting, and draws visitors from across the hall. Round elements signal openness and modernity — perfect to put a brand in the spotlight.
Stage and concert concepts
On concert stages, truss circles form lighting rings above the artist, frame video walls or create curved overhead structures for moving heads and spotlights. They add depth and a clear focal point to any stage design.
Banner frames and advertising
Illuminated circular banner frames are a classic application: stretched fabric or printed banners inside a truss ring become a self-supporting, eye-catching advertising element for fairs, foyers and shop openings.
Clubs, theatres and houses of worship
In discos and clubs, a rotating or static lighting ring is the heart of the dance floor. Theatres and churches use circular truss for atmospheric overhead lighting and decorative installations.
Looking for the straight truss to combine with your circle, or the matching rigging hardware? Speak with our team — as your reliable partner, LTT helps you plan the complete system from a single source.
Comparison: Full Circle vs. Half Circle vs. Corner Arc
Not every project needs a complete ring. Depending on the staging concept, a half circle or a single corner arc can be the smarter, more economical choice. The comparison below helps you configure the right curved construction.
A full circle delivers the strongest wow effect but needs the most material and suspension points. A half circle is ideal as a backdrop or wall-mounted accent, while individual corner arcs are the budget-friendly way to soften the edges of an otherwise rectangular truss construction. Because all variants use the same segments and connectors, you can even expand a partial arc into a full circle later.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Truss Circle
Picking a truss circle comes down to a few clear questions. Work through them in order and you will land on the optimal solution for your application.
1. What load will the circle carry?
List every fixture, banner or LED panel you plan to hang and add a safety margin. Light decorative loads suit the FD21 or FD31 series; heavy moving-light rings call for HD31 or GS94. Never specify a circle by appearance alone — start from the load.
2. Which diameter fits your space?
Match the diameter to ceiling height, stage width and the visual proportion you want. A 3–4 m circle suits most fair stands and small stages, while 6 m and above creates a dominant lighting ring for large venues.
3. Which system do you already own?
Choose a series whose chord tube matches your existing truss — for example a 50 mm tube with 2 mm wall to stay compatible with common 4-point systems. That way circle and straight truss share connectors and combine seamlessly.
4. Mobile or static?
For touring, favour higher segmentation for easier transport. For fixed installs, fewer, larger segments speed up the build.
5. Finish and colour
Decide between natural aluminium and a powder-coated RAL colour or black finish to match your design. If in doubt about load or statics, contact LTT — we help you select the right circle and the matching rigging accessories.
Brands and Manufacturers for Truss Circles
The truss circle range at LTT centres on our own premium brand Naxpro-Truss, the leading system for professional aluminium truss, manufactured in Germany. As both manufacturer and full-service dealer, LTT controls the quality of every circle from the raw alloy to the finished ring.
Beyond our own production, the wider truss market offers several established names that buyers often compare:
- Naxpro-Truss — the LTT premium series, available from FD21 up to the heavy-duty GS94.
- Global Truss F34 — a widely used 50 mm 4-point standard.
- Duratruss DT31 — a popular European 50 mm system.
- Milos (e.g. Pro-30) and Alutruss — further professional alternatives.
- Litetruss — another truss line within the LTT portfolio.
For rigging hardware that completes a circle, Riggatec supplies the couplers, clamps and accessories trusted in event technology. Choosing within one compatible system keeps connectors, load data and spare parts consistent across your whole rig.
Care and Maintenance of Truss Circles
A truss circle is a safety-relevant component, so regular care and inspection protect both your investment and the people working underneath it.
Cleaning
Wipe the aluminium with a soft cloth and mild detergent to remove dust, gaffer-tape residue and dirt. Avoid aggressive solvents that could attack a powder-coated RAL finish. Dry the truss before storage to prevent corrosion at the connection points.
Regular inspection
Before and after every use, check the chords and diagonals for dents, cracks or bends — a deformed tube reduces the load capacity and must be taken out of service. Inspect conical connectors, bolts and safety splints for wear and replace damaged parts immediately.
Storage and documentation
Store segments dry and protected, ideally stacked or in flight cases so the curved chords are not stressed. Keep a maintenance log: in professional event technology, documented periodic inspections by a qualified person are part of complying with the relevant safety regulations. Well-maintained truss circles stay in service for many years and dependably deliver impressive results.
LTT – Your Specialist for Event Technology
With over 25 years of experience and our own manufacturing in Germany, LTT is more than a dealer — we engineer and produce the Naxpro-Truss circles you build with. That means concrete load data, verified standards and the innovative solutions professionals rely on, all from one trusted source.
As your reliable partner we ship worldwide from Bocholt, back every product with a 3-year warranty and offer free shipping from €69, with express delivery available when timing is tight. B2B resellers benefit from dedicated wholesale conditions through our international dealer network.
Ready to put your next project in the spotlight? Combine your truss circle with matching straight truss and the right Riggatec rigging accessories — and reach out to our team whenever you need guidance on diameter, load or statics. LTT is your specialist for event technology, from the first sketch to the finished rig.
FAQ – Questions & Answers
A truss circle is a special event technology component: a closed ring built from curved aluminium truss segments. It is made from high-grade aluminium alloy EN-AW 6082 T6 (AlMgSi1), the established material for professional truss. The load-bearing chord tubes are bent to a defined radius and joined with standardised conical connectors, bolts and safety splints. A truss circle combines low weight with high load capacity, which makes it suitable for both mobile touring use and static installations in fixed venues such as clubs, theatres and trade fair halls.
Truss circles at LTT are offered as standard with a diameter from 2 m up to 10 m, measured from the outer edges of the ring. If you need a larger ring, custom sizes and circles over 10 m diameter are available on request. The diameter you choose should match your ceiling height, stage width and the visual proportion you want to achieve. A 3 to 4 m circle suits most trade fair stands and smaller stages, while a 6 m circle or larger creates a dominant lighting ring for big venues and concert stages.
A complete truss circle is composed of multiple segments, and the number depends on the diameter. As a guide, a 2 m circle uses 2 or 4 segments, a 3 to 4 m circle uses 4 segments, a 5 to 6 m circle uses 8 segments, and circles from 7 m up to 10 m use 8 or 12 segments. Common cuts are 90°, 360° and 1.5 m segments. Each segment can also be installed on its own, so you can build full rings, half circles or single arcs from the same parts using standard conical connectors.
Truss circles can be built from several truss profiles. You can form a circle from 1-point truss (such as FD21 or FD31) for light decorative arcs, from 2-point truss in horizontal or vertical orientation, from 3-point truss with the triangle tip pointing inside, outside, up or down, and from 4-point truss for maximum rigidity. The 4-point circle is the most popular choice for lighting rings and prominent trade fair stands because it carries fixtures on all four faces and looks symmetrical from every viewing angle.
Yes. While LTT offers Naxpro-Truss circles as standard from 2 m to 10 m diameter, custom sizes and circles over 10 m can be manufactured on request thanks to our own production in Germany. Truss circles are also available in all common RAL colours, so the construction matches your stage design or corporate branding. A black powder-coated finish is a popular option for concert and club applications, typically available at a surcharge and with a slightly extended lead time. Natural mill-finish aluminium remains the standard delivery option.
The working load limit (WLL) of a truss circle depends on the series, the diameter, the segmentation and the suspension concept. A heavy-duty 4-point HD31 circle carries considerably more than a light FD21 ring, and a smaller diameter with more evenly distributed suspension points always handles higher point loads than a large, sparsely rigged circle. Because the load distribution of a curved truss differs from a straight span, you should never estimate capacity by eye. Request the load data for the specific diameter and segmentation, and have flown circles verified by a qualified rigger before adding fixtures.
The price of a truss circle scales with diameter, segmentation, series and finish. Smaller 2 m circles start in the lower hundreds of euros, while large 10 m, 12-segment rings in a heavy-duty series cost several thousand euros. A powder-coated RAL or black finish adds a surcharge over natural aluminium. Because every project differs, the most reliable approach is to configure your circle by diameter and truss type in the LTT shop, where current prices are shown. B2B resellers can also request dedicated wholesale conditions through the LTT dealer network.
For a trade fair stand, a 3 to 4 m diameter circle built from a 50 mm 4-point truss such as the Naxpro-Truss FD31 series is usually the optimal solution. This size fits typical booth dimensions, carries signage and lighting on all four faces and creates a clear focal point that draws visitors. If you only need to frame a banner, an illuminated circular banner frame works well, while a lighter 1-point or FD21 circle suffices for purely decorative arcs. Match the chord tube to any truss you already own so the circle and straight truss share connectors.