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Fluids are an essential element for the correct operation of atmospheric effects devices, even though they are often underestimated. Without them, smoke machines, hazers, snow, bubble and foam machines simply could not do what they are designed to do. Each formulation is engineered to ensure compatibility, safety and consistent performance: for this reason, assuming that one fluid is as good as another is a mistake. Audio Effetti offers a complete range, whose features, applications and benefits we will now analyse.
Fluids are liquid solutions specifically formulated to generate visual and atmospheric effects through more or less complex devices that exploit their properties. They are not simple refills or consumables, but active components that determine the quality, density and duration of the effect produced.
Each fluid is designed to interact with a specific technology: vaporisation, compression, heating or atomisation.
Types of machines and related fluids
Broadly speaking, we can draw the following distinction:
| Type of machine | Type of fluid | Characteristics |
| Smoke machines | Water- or glycol-based fluid | Variable density (light, medium, heavy), slow or fast dissipation |
| Hazers | Dedicated haze fluid | Ultra-fine and persistent to enhance light beams, low density and long-lasting |
| Fazers | Low-density smoke fluid | Low density and controlled evaporation, similar to haze but with greater visibility and volume |
| Snow machines | Foaming fluid | Fast evaporation and stability, leaves no residues |
| Bubble machines | Surfactant-based fluid | High viscosity, elastic and resistant for long-lasting bubbles, non-sticky |
| Foam machines | Concentrated foam fluid based on expanding surfactants | Highly concentrated and dilutable, expandable and stable |
In this classification, focused on fluids for non-combustive effects, we have deliberately excluded fuels for flame machines which, although fluids, involve completely different considerations in terms of safety, regulations and handling.
Technical characteristics
The visual performance of a stage effect largely depends on the physical and chemical properties of the fluid used.
The main parameters that distinguish one fluid from another are:
- Density (ratio between mass and volume)
- Viscosity (resistance to flow)
- Evaporation time (time needed for the visual effect to dissipate in the environment after emission)
- Residue (material left on surfaces, or in the air, after evaporation or dispersion of the fluid)
- Behaviour in indoor vs outdoor environments
Audio Effetti’s range
For smoke machine fluids, density affects the body of the cloud and how long it remains in the air.
Light formulations are particularly suitable for ventilated spaces or for subtle effects. An example is EGO - SMOKE FLUID - LIGHT DENSITY 5l, which produces a thin and dynamic haze, clear and white, with reduced stability for a constantly evolving effect.
A medium-density fluid we recommend is EGO - SMOKE FLUID - MEDIUM DENSITY 5l, which generates a dense and stable haze with relatively slow dispersion and a consistently white tone.
Completing the picture of liquids for this category of machines, EGO - SMOKE FLUID - HIGH DENSITY is characterised by its high density, slow dispersion and gradual atmospheric transformation, producing homogeneous and compact smoke. Its stability ensures visual consistency and the blue colour of the liquid adds a distinctive touch, while the smoke emitted is opaque white. It is particularly suitable for concerts and theatre productions, as is generally the case for all high-density fluids.
Hazer fluids, on the other hand, stand out for the fineness of the dispersion and their long hanging time, making them ideal to enhance light beams without saturating the stage.
Three products are particularly worth mentioning: EGO - HAZER FLUID - STANDARD - WATER BAS, HZL Oil Based Haze Liquid for HZ series hazer / 5L by Antari, and Le Maitre 2948, designed for the Neutron and MVS smoke machines from the same manufacturer.
The main difference between the EGO and Antari fluids lies in the fact that the first is water-based, while the second is oil-based.
Fazers represent an intermediate solution, producing haze that is more visible than that of hazers but less invasive than traditional smoke. The fluids used are generally the same as for smoke machines, selected in low-density versions with controlled evaporation. Although there is no specific “for Fazer” label, the technical data sheets clearly indicate compatibility with machines equipped with an integrated fan or designed for haze / light smoke effects.
For snow machines, the foaming fluid must deliver a realistic visual effect, with fast evaporation and no residue. The formulation, made of non-ionic surfactants, demineralised water and stabilisers, is designed not to wet surfaces and to ensure safety even in indoor environments. These fluids generate a fine foam that is atomised and distributed in the air by the machine itself.
A particularly effective example is EGO - SNOW FLUID - READY TO USE, compatible with all machines of this type.
Bubble fluids, also based on surfactants, must provide elasticity and resistance, allowing the formation of large, long-lasting bubbles without leaving sticky residues on floors or equipment. The surfactants used have a molecular structure that promotes the formation of stable films capable of lasting longer in the air. Viscosity is generally higher than that of a snow machine fluid.
EGO - BUBBLE FLUID - READY TO USE is an excellent fluid suitable for any type of bubble machine, produced through a strict industrial treatment process that ensures high purity.
Smoke-filled bubbles have recently become very popular. The machines that produce them are dual-chamber units, equipped with a smoke generator (similar to that of smoke machines) and a bubble-generation system. Smoke is generated inside the machine and channelled towards the outlet nozzle, while the bubble fluid is atomised around the smoke jet, creating a film that traps the smoke inside the bubble. To achieve this effect, the liquid must be formulated to withstand the high temperature of the smoke and maintain bubble stability.
EGO - BUBBLE & SMOKE PRO - READY TO USE has been developed specifically for this purpose and is compatible with most bubble foggers.
Finally, we should mention foam machines, whose highly concentrated fluid must be diluted according to the desired volume. Its expansion must be stable and controlled, especially at outdoor events.
The formulation is based on expanding surfactants, demineralised water and stabilising agents, engineered to produce a light, elastic and resistant foam mass. It is designed not to leave sticky residues and to keep the foam compact even under changing environmental conditions. Some variants include colouring additives or fragrances.
Compatibility, safety and certifications
It is important to stress how crucial it is to consider compatibility between the fluid and the machine. The use of non-certified or non-specific products may compromise the performance of the device itself, causing corrosion, blockages or unwanted emissions. For this reason, Audio Effetti always recommends the use of original, certified fluids specifically designed for each type of machine, in order to guarantee optimum performance and complete safety in every application.
Using fluids in professional stage environments also requires special attention to safety, both for operators and for the audience. The chemical composition of the liquids must comply with precise regulations governing toxicity, biodegradability, flammability and environmental impact. For this reason, fluids intended for these machines are subjected to strict controls and are supplied with technical documentation certifying their compliance.
The most reliable manufacturers operate in accordance with the European REACH regulation, which governs the registration, evaluation and authorisation of chemical substances; this ensures that every component of the fluid is traceable, tested and safe for its intended use. In addition, CE certifications and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) provide detailed information on risks, storage conditions, compatibility with machines and procedures in case of accidental contact or spillage.
The absence of harmful residues, neutral odour and compatibility with enclosed spaces are important requirements for indoor events, permanent installations and shows with the audience in close proximity. Choosing biodegradable fluids free from irritating substances also helps reduce environmental impact and protect the health of operators.
Conclusions
Choosing the right fluid is a technical decision that directly affects the success of the whole show. It is not enough to select a compatible liquid; it is essential to assess the operating characteristics of each machine, the environmental conditions in which it will be used and the desired visual effect. For rental companies and installers, this means adopting an informed approach based on experience, product knowledge and compliance with regulations.
Want to learn more?
Email us at international@audioeffetti.it
