How to choose a sliding gate with an electric drive?
Automatic gates today are gaining immense popularity, since their operation is simplified by special mechanisms. Such designs are practically no different from the classical models, since they are only complemented by a drive and several auxiliary devices. The main component is the drive, which affects the productivity of the entire system.
Climatic conditions
The choice of sliding gates begins with the selection of electric drive, which can be installed on almost any type of blade. One of the important factors affecting the operation of automation is the climatic conditions in which the gate is operated. Often we are talking about winter, when the gears can form ice.He, in turn, prevents the rotation of the whole mechanism.
Depending on the material from which the gears are made, these nodes transfer the cold differently:
- Hardware. Nodes of this type need high-quality lubrication. Therefore, it is desirable to monitor its presence in the winter. When this is not done, condensate is formed and quickly freezes on the metal.
- Plastic. Polymer gears are distinguished by minimal friction between joining elements. This allows even under low temperature conditions to apply the minimum amount of lubricant. But the material is not able to withstand significant loads. According to experts, drives of this type serve 3 times less than metal structures.
It is important to understand that the material is not always the deciding factor.
Here one should take into account the whole complex of external influences on the system.
Drive power and power
Another important factor to pay attention to when choosing a sliding gate with an electric drive is its power. This characteristic is directly dependent on the weight of the sash, which moves the motor.In most cases, manufacturers indicate on automation how much a kilogram it can move. But experts recommend taking these figures with a margin.
So, for example, for sliding gates with a web weight of 400-600 kg, you need to use a drive that can move systems weighing up to 800 kg. This small margin allows to reduce the load on all the main components of the mechanism and extend their service life.
Special attention should also be paid to the type of power supply of the motor drive.
There are just a few basic options:
- Systems operating from 24 V. These devices are intended only for small gates that are made of lightweight materials. It is not necessary to supplement them with a heavier cloth, since this will lead to a quick breakdown of the mechanism.
- Powerful motors running on 220V. Classical devices capable of moving heavy and overall gates. At the same time, the scheme of their connection is not complicated, which makes it possible to carry it out independently.
Weight and dimensions of the canvas
Today, sliding doors are made of various materials, differing in significant weight.The greater this value, the more the drive automatics will wear out. Therefore, when buying, it is important to consider not only the power of the motor, but also the quality of all parts within the system.
The best option would be a drive in which all moving elements are made of their metal. This material is much better perceived load, while maintaining its performance.
It should be understood that this also affects the length of the canvas.
One can get rid of this problem in some way with the help of a counterweight. If the drive is used for wide canvases, then this element should have dimensions of about 40-50% of the size of the leaf. When this value is less, then the counterweight will not relieve the load. She will be transmitted to the stars, contributing to their rapid wear. If these parameters are increased, then the entire load will be on the engine itself, which will not always be able to withstand it.
Features of operation
Sliding gates today are used by many owners of both industrial enterprises and private houses. All these designs solve various problems, which affects their performance.
When choosing automation, you should pay attention to several of its features:
- Quality fittings. Technically, all these elements are manufactured using a similar technology. But some manufacturers do not pay attention to pumping all the components. If this is done poorly, then the teeth simply will not rub properly and will wear out quickly during work on the gate. In some cases, it may even lead to jamming of the sash.
- Intensity of work. Each manufacturer specifies this value for a specific model of automation. This indicator is expressed as a percentage, which allows you to specify how much time they can be in work.
Calculate it is quite simple. For example, the intensity of a certain model is 30%, and the duration of one “opening-closing” cycle reaches 1 minute. To find out how many times you can run the system per hour, you need to multiply 60 minutes by 0.3, which will result in 18 minutes. That is, the sash will work only 18 times during this period of time. There are more practical systems, which it is desirable to install at enterprises checkpoints.
Manufacturers
The quality of the drive for the suspended gate depends largely on its manufacturer. Today there are several popular brands on the market:
- Came. Italian electric drives are great for use in the summer. As for winter, their work here is not always stable, as the gears can form frost. In order for the construction to work, it is advisable to constantly check their condition.
- Nice. The best option for lightweight drive designs. Products of this kind can work with weights weighing up to 500 kg.
- Faac. Another Italian manufacturer that is popular with residents of our country. Products of this kind withstand severe winters, as all gears are made of metal (brass and steel).
- Doorhan. The optimum ratio of price and quality. Drives perfectly tolerate cold and have a long service life.
The material and design of the valves
Retractable doors can be installed in various places. Therefore, they must solve various problems that often depend on the design execution of the canvas itself. Depending on the materials there are several types of products:
- Solid. Make them from solid sheets of metal or profile. This type of gate is universal and suitable for almost any place. Among the advantages can be identified low cost and ease of construction.
- Forged. The main material here are metal rods, which give a different shape. The gate is very beautiful and often complemented by a unique coloring. The disadvantage of these products is the high cost and considerable weight. This, in turn, requires the addition of powerful drives to the system.
- Combined. In the paintings of this kind are used several materials and styles that are combined in one system. The design of these products can be varied, depending on the manufacturer.
Electric sliding doors are a unique solution for a modern person in need of comfort and optimization of industrial processes. When choosing them, it is important to analyze not only the design of the canvas, but also the technical parameters of the automation. They must be compatible, as the duration and reliability of the system depends on it.
For information on how to choose a sliding door with an electric drive, see the following video.