How to choose a sliding gate with an electric drive?

Automatic gates are gaining immense popularity today, as their operation is simplified by special mechanisms. Such designs practically do not differ from classical models, since they are only supplemented by a drive and several auxiliary devices. The main component is the drive, which affects the productivity of the entire system.

The choice of sliding gates begins with the selection of an electric drive that can be installed on almost any type of door leaf. One of the important factors affecting the operation of the automation is the climatic conditions in which the doors are operated. Often it is about winter, when ice can form on the gears. He, in turn, prevents the rotation of the entire mechanism.

Depending on the material from which the gears are made, these units transfer cold in different ways:

• Hardware. Units of this type require high-quality lubrication. Therefore, it is advisable to monitor its presence in winter. When this is not done, condensation forms and freezes on the metal very quickly.

• Plastic. Polymer gears feature minimal friction between mating elements. This allows the use of a minimum amount of lubricant even under low temperature conditions. But the material is not able to withstand significant loads. According to experts, drives of this type are 3 times less than metal structures.

The whole complex of external influences on the system should be taken into account here.

Another important factor that you should pay attention to when choosing a sliding gate with an electric drive is its capacity. This characteristic directly depends on the weight of the sash, which is moved by the motor. In most cases, manufacturers indicate on the automation how many kilograms it can move. But experts recommend taking these indicators with a margin.

So, for example, for sliding gates with a leaf 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.

Particular attention should also be paid to the type of power supply to the motor of the electric drive.

There are only a few basic options here:

• Systems operating from 24 V. These devices are intended only for small doors that are made of lightweight materials. Do not supplement them with a heavier canvas, as this will lead to a quick breakdown of the mechanism.
• Powerful motors powered by 220 V. Classic devices capable of moving heavy and oversized gates. At the same time, their connection diagram is not complicated, which allows you to implement it yourself.

Today, sliding gates are made of various materials with significant weight. The larger 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 metal.This material takes up loads much better, while maintaining its performance.

You can get rid of this problem in some way with the help of a counterweight. If the drive is used for wide blades, then this element should have dimensions of about 40-50% of the sash dimensions. When this value is less, then the counterweight will not remove the load. It will also be transmitted to the sprockets, contributing to their rapid wear. If these parameters are increased, then the entire load will fall on the engine itself, which will not always be able to withstand it.

Sliding gates are used today by many owners of both industrial enterprises and private houses. All these structures solve various problems, which affects their performance.

When choosing automation, you should pay attention to several more of its features:

• The quality of the 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 in correctly and will quickly wear out while working on the gate. In some cases, this can even lead to jamming of the sash.

• Work intensity. Each manufacturer indicates this value for a specific automation model. This indicator is expressed as a percentage, which makes it possible to clarify how long they can be in work.

It is quite easy to calculate it. For example, the intensity of a certain pattern is 30%, and the duration of one "open-close" cycle reaches 1 minute. To find out how many times you can start the system per hour, you need to multiply 60 minutes by 0.3, which gives a result of 18 minutes. That is, the flaps will only work 18 times during this period of time. There are more practical systems that are desirable to be installed at the checkpoints of enterprises.

The quality of a suspended gate operator depends largely on the manufacturer. There are several popular brands on the market today:

• Came. Italian electric actuators are perfect for summer operation. As for the winter, their work here is not always stable, since ice can form on the gears. In order for the structure to work, it is advisable to constantly check their condition.
• Nice. Ideal for lightweight applications. Products of this kind can handle blades weighing up to 500 kg.

• Faac. Another Italian manufacturer that is popular with the residents of our country. Products of this kind withstand harsh winters perfectly, since all gears are made of metal (brass and steel).
• Doorhan. The optimum ratio of price and quality. The drives have excellent cold tolerance and a long service life.

Sliding gates can be installed in various places. Therefore, they must solve various problems, which often depend on the design performance of the canvas itself. Depending on the materials, several types of products can be distinguished:

• Solid. They are made from solid sheets of metal or profile. This type of gate is versatile and suitable for almost any location. Among the advantages are the low cost and ease of construction.

• Forged. The main material here is metal rods, which are given various shapes. The gates are very beautiful and are often complemented by unique coloring. The disadvantage of such products is their high cost and significant weight. This, in turn, requires supplementing the system with powerful drives.
• Combined. In canvases of this kind, several materials and styles are used, which are combined into one system. The design of such products can be varied, depending on the manufacturer.

Electric sliding gates are a unique solution for a modern person who needs 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, since the duration and reliability of the system depends on this.

For information on how to choose a sliding gate with an electric drive, see the next video.