How quickly do rapid roller doors open and close?
While rapid doors can open and close at 2 to 2.5 metres per second, their speed is largely influenced by the opening size and the environment (whether external or internal) in which it’s installed.
For example, a smaller internal door that deals only with low air pressure can have fibreglass (GRP) battens and will open quickly. On the other hand, a larger external door exposed to wind will need to be more robust (with more mass), and therefore will need to run a little more slowly.
What materials are rapid doors made from?
The curtain element of a rapid roller door is made from PVC coated polyester as standard, to ensure lightness, flexibility, and durability.
When used for cold rooms, a foam backing can be added to provide insulation. And for freezers, rapid doors can be supplied with two layers of foam inside two layers of PVC for even more insulation.
The framework of rapid roller doors, including tracks and covers, is usually made from anodized aluminium. Or, if your business operates in a caustic environment (such as utilising harsh wash-down chemicals) it may be appropriate to manufacture rapid doors from stainless steel. In applications where hygiene is an issue (such as for bacteria control, or in a hospital environment), stainless steel also offers an easy-to-clean non-porous surface.
When choosing a rapid door, ensure it has motors and controllers that are engineered for a high duty cycle for quality and durability. It’s also a good idea to look for a supplier that offers parts replacement with warranty support to minimise potential downtime.
Safety features to look for in a high speed or rapid roller door
Detection sensors (such as a PE (photoelectric) beam or light curtain can be integrated into the rapid door to ensure safe operation. The sensor will automatically sense when a person or forklift approaches, and seamlessly retract the high speed door.