CNC Machining Meets Stage Design - Black Swan State Theatre Company & Tommotek
When artistry meets precision engineering, incredible things happen. That’s exactly what unfolded when Tommotek worked alongside the Black Swan State Theatre Company on several of their innovative stage productions. With tight deadlines and intricate set requirements, the flexibility and accuracy of CNC machining became an essential part of bringing theatrical concepts to life.
CNC Technology on the Stage
Set construction for live theatre demands both creativity and functionality. Lightweight, durable, and visually impactful pieces must be produced efficiently, often within short turnaround times. This is where CNC machining—particularly through Tekcel CNC routers—plays a crucial role.
Using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) files provided by the design team, our in-house CNC specialists converted concepts into toolpaths via CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software. This digital workflow allowed for high-speed precision cutting of large-format materials such as plywood, MDF, and composites used in stage props and backdrops.
Why Tekcel?
Tommotek’s workshop is fully equipped with Tekcel CNC routers, each integrated with the Tekmov Control System, to deliver professional-grade results in CNC machining projects. Tekcel routers are built on heavy-duty steel frames and fitted with Italian-made HSD spindles capable of 24,000 RPM. This high-speed capability is essential for the rapid material removal and fine detailing required in theatre production.
Depending on the scope of the project, we employ different models from the Tekcel lineup. For example:
- The Tekcel Enduro Series provides a robust platform for large and complex scenic elements, offering generous work areas and a range of customisation options like knife systems or vision cameras.
- The Tekcel S Series, designed for high-speed production, excels at cutting aluminum composites often used in architectural and stage elements.
- The Tekcel X Series, with its massive 6200 x 2400 mm bed, is ideal for oversized backdrops and full-stage facades, offering the flexibility needed for theatre-scale designs.
Each model features automatic tool change (ATC), pop-up registration pins, and vacuum hold-down tables—critical for efficient CNC machining across varied materials and shapes.
From Design to Production
By leveraging the integrated CAD/CAM process, Black Swan’s design team was able to iterate and refine their models digitally, while Tommotek translated these designs into real-world objects with exacting accuracy.
From intricate set panels to functional components such as risers and platforms, Tekcel’s CNC routers handled everything with precision, enabling fast, repeatable, and clean-cut results. The result? Sets that were not only beautiful but also structurally sound and easy to assemble on-site.
The Outcome
The collaboration allowed Black Swan to push creative boundaries without being constrained by traditional fabrication methods. CNC machining ensured that every element of the set was delivered on time and matched the design intent exactly. This level of detail is especially important in theatre, where visual storytelling is paramount.
At Tommotek, we’re proud to bring high-performance CNC machining into the arts. With Tekcel’s powerful and flexible router systems, we're able to support clients like Black Swan in producing exceptional work, show after show.
