Hoist rope testing on amusement rides – ROTEC at the Cannstatter Wasen.
Rope testing on temporary structures is a key component of safety at fairs. Our ROTEC team recently conducted this test on the 80-meter-high “Fortress Tower” freefall tower at the Cannstatter Wasen fairgrounds. We had to work flexibly and precisely because the space was tight and the festival grounds were being opened at the same time. It was also important that all ropes were intact before the first passengers used the tower.
Why ropes need to be checked regularly
Ropes are the load-bearing elements of a free-fall tower and are subjected to high levels of stress. Therefore, they must be inspected regularly to prevent hazards. Our rope testing device detects both small wire breaks and material fatigue.
It also delivers accurate results immediately, allowing operators to react quickly. Our colleague Lars’s video shows the testing process directly at the tower, while the hustle and bustle of the fair can be seen in the background.
The freefall tower Fortress Tower
The Fortress Tower is one of the tallest mobile free-fall towers in Germany. Visitors are pulled in a gondola to a height of almost 80 meters before the free fall begins. This experience is sure to be a thrill.
However, it wouldn’t be safe without flawless ropes and regular inspections. That’s why our rope inspection ensures that operators and passengers can rely on maximum safety. Our team also combines technical precision with practical experience.
Special challenges at folk festivals
Inspections of temporary structures require a delicate touch. Every structure is different, and conditions at fairgrounds are often limited. Weather and space conditions also play a role.
Our team adapts flexibly to all circumstances. This allows us to perform measurements precisely, even under time pressure or in difficult conditions. Furthermore, we always ensure that neither staff nor visitors are endangered.
Further areas of application of our technology
In addition to free-fall towers, we also inspect roller coasters, swings, and other rides. We inspect both fixed and mobile installations. This ensures operators that their ropes remain safe over the long term.
Our technology also delivers reliable results, allowing potential damage to be detected early. Both operators and visitors benefit from maximum safety and confidence.
Security that creates trust
The work at the Fortress Tower demonstrates the versatility of our technology. While the festival is in full swing below, our engineers are working high above.
In doing so, they secure the systems that passengers naturally expect but rarely notice. Furthermore, their deployment provides valuable empirical data that continuously improves our testing technology. Thus, we combine practical relevance, innovation, and the highest safety standards in a single deployment.
ROTEC – we make ropes safe.
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