Industrial folding doors, also known as bi-fold or multi-fold doors, consist of several door panels that fold as they open or close. These doors are primarily used in large industrial spaces such as warehouses, factories, and aircraft hangars. Thanks to their design, they allow for wide openings without requiring large amounts of space, making them a popular choice in areas where space-saving solutions are necessary.
The components of an industrial folding door work together to ensure smooth and reliable operation. These parts include tracks, door panels, accessories, motors, and control boxes. Each component has a specific role to play:
The tracks guide the movement of the door and provide structural support. Typically, the track for an industrial folding door is installed at the top of the door opening, running parallel to the ground. Depending on the number of door panels, there may or may not be a track at the bottom. The length of the track will depend on the number of door panels the door has.
Industrial folding door tracks are generally made from galvanized steel, which is known for its strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. The track not only supports the door but also ensures smooth movement by guiding the panels as they fold and unfold.
The door panels are constructed from 0.8mm thick double-sided galvanized steel, filled with 45kg/m³ polyurethane foam for insulation. This creates a total thickness of around 57mm, though for doors taller than 8 meters, the thickness increases to 77mm. The panels are reinforced with a 2.0mm cold-galvanized steel frame, molded into U-shaped or grooved designs, enhancing the overall strength of the door.
The panels are connected to the track through hinges and rollers. As the door opens or closes, the panels fold along the track, allowing for a smooth transition between open and closed positions.
The door panels and the tracks are supported by essential accessories, including hinges, rollers, screws, gears, chains, and mounting brackets. The hinges connect the door panels, allowing them to fold as the door opens. Specially designed rivet nuts are embedded in the door for added durability, ensuring the screws do not loosen over time. Rollers guide the panels smoothly along the track, while mounting brackets secure the motor and the spring system.
Additionally, a brush is installed at the bottom of the door panel, helping to keep the door running smoothly while preventing dust from entering the building through any gaps.
The motor is the heart of the industrial folding door system, driving the opening and closing operations. Depending on the door's size and weight, different power motors are available. The motor also allows for speed adjustments, ensuring optimal performance based on your requirements.
In the event of a power outage, the motor is equipped with a manual chain system, allowing the door to be opened or closed manually.
The control box manages the door's operation, providing open, close, and emergency stop commands. It can also be used to adjust the door's speed and can be paired with remote controls for wireless operation, giving you control from a distance.
The operation of an industrial folding door involves several mechanical and electrical processes. Here’s how it works:
Command Initiation: When the control box or remote control sends a signal, the motor starts operating.
Motor Operation: The motor turns a solid shaft connected to gears, which in turn drive a chain. The chain is connected to the door panels through hinges and rollers.
Panel Movement: As the chain moves, it pulls the panels along the track, causing them to fold or unfold depending on the direction of the chain's movement. This folding action is what opens or closes the door.
Smooth Operation: Thanks to the combination of the motor, gears, chain, and track, the industrial folding door operates smoothly, offering reliable access to large openings.
Power outages can pose a challenge for automated systems, but our industrial folding doors come equipped with an emergency solution. Each door motor has a built-in manual chain system, allowing you to manually operate the door when needed.
In the event of a power outage:
Pull the Manual Chain: The manual chain allows the door to be operated without electrical power. Simply pull the chain to open or close the door manually.
Ease of Use: The emergency chain system is designed for user convenience, ensuring that the door continues to function until power is restored.
This feature keeps your facility accessible and prevents unnecessary downtime, even in cases of unexpected power loss.
Proper maintenance of industrial folding doors is crucial for ensuring smooth operation and extending the life of the door. Here are some key maintenance tips:
Regular Cleaning: In areas with high dust or sand levels, regularly clean the tracks and rollers to prevent debris from obstructing the door's movement.
Rust Prevention: In humid or rainy environments, it is important to take measures to prevent rust on the metal components of the door. Regular inspections and applying rust-resistant treatments can protect these parts.
Lubrication: Keep the moving parts, such as the hinges and rollers, well-lubricated to reduce friction and wear over time.
Inspection: Regularly inspect the door components for signs of wear and tear, especially the rollers, chains, and hinges. If any parts show signs of damage, replace them immediately to prevent further issues.
Safety Check: Ensure that all safety features, such as the auto-stop function, are working properly. Regular testing ensures that your industrial folding door remains safe for daily use.
By taking care of these routine maintenance tasks, you can extend the life of your industrial folding door and avoid costly repairs.
Installing an industrial folding door follows a set sequence: track installation, roller installation, hinge assembly, door panel installation, and finally gear and chain attachment along with the mounting bracket.
For more detailed installation guidance, you can refer to our instructional videos on industrial folding door installation.——Industrial sandwich panel folding door installation——YUOU
These tutorials provide a step-by-step guide to ensure smooth setup. If you encounter any difficulties during the installation process, feel free to reach out to our sales team for assistance. We’re here to help troubleshoot and resolve any issues to make your installation as seamless as possible.
Industrial folding doors are an essential feature for many industrial and commercial settings, offering both functionality and space-saving benefits. By understanding how these doors work, their structure, and how to maintain them, you can ensure optimal performance and long-term durability. Whether you're looking for a reliable solution for a warehouse, factory, or large-scale facility, industrial folding doors provide the flexibility, durability, and security you need.
For more information or to discuss custom options, contact our expert team today! We're ready to help you choose the perfect industrial folding door solution for your facility.
