Weather-Resistant SLW Linear Module in Dior's Christmas Façade

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

Requirements: Grease-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 grease-free high-performance plastics, quiet and reliable operation was achieved even with wet and frosty conditions faced by Dior's Christmas façade.

The French luxury fashion house Dior's Christmas installations are synonymous worldwide with breathtaking design and technical sophistication. In 2024, the Italian creative studio Mammafotogramma took over the installation depicting 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 and strict requirements for reliability and silence proved to be extremely challenging.

The main challenge 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. The mechanism not only had to be robust but also needed to 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.

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 aluminum that can withstand extreme moisture and frost. A carriage on the rail, which runs over four slide bearings made of grease-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 ensures a long service life as well as virtually silent movement — a decisive factor in creating the right atmosphere for the installation.

The operation is simple and efficient: as soon as the hinged doors are opened, a motor sets the lead screw and carriage in motion. The holding device with the figure is gently moved forwards by the precise movements of the system. Thanks to the reliability of this 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.