The Bi-Folding Speed Gate Advantage: Faster Flow, Tighter Security
Bi-folding speed gates offer quick access and robust security, making them ideal for busy areas. This article will explore their advantages, various types, and typical uses.
Key Takeaways
- Bi-folding speed gates provide rapid operation and enhanced security, making them ideal for high-traffic and high-security environments.
- Various types of bi-folding gates, such as single, double, telescopic, and cantilever configurations, offer tailored solutions for diverse applications.
- Integration with advanced access control systems and compliance with industry standards ensure that bi-folding speed gates meet safety, performance, and customisation needs.
The Bi-Folding Speed Gate Advantage
Bi-folding speed gates are a marvel of modern engineering, designed to offer quick operation, high security, and efficiency for handling heavy-duty traffic flows. These trackless gates fold in half, allowing for rapid access and minimising congestion. Whether installed at corporate entrances or multi-storey parking facilities, their quick operation enhances both safety and efficiency.
Bi-folding speed gates offer more than just rapid operation; they effectively regulate vehicle flow and enhance security. By reducing the duration that entrances stay open, they significantly lower the risk of unauthorised access, making them ideal for high-security sites and busy venues.
Faster Access
Bi-folding speed gates and sliding gates open and close at speeds of approximately one meter per second, making them perfect for high-traffic areas like corporate entrances and busy car parks. Their fast action operation ensures efficient traffic management, reducing congestion and wait times for authorised users, all while facilitating an opening and closing movement.
The swift operation of bi-folding gates not only improves traffic flow but also enhances security by preventing prolonged open times that could be exploited for unauthorised entry. This ensures that access points remain secure while facilitating smooth movement for both vehicles and pedestrians.
Enhanced Security
Bi-folding speed gates excel in providing robust security. Their brief opening time makes unauthorised entry significantly harder, making them ideal for high-security sites. By allowing controlled entry and exit, they ensure that only authorised personnel can access restricted areas, reducing the risk of unauthorised access.
Bi-folding speed gates feature advanced access control options and an integrated control panel, further enhancing their security capabilities. These features make them a top choice for corporate access points and other high-security environments, providing a secure and efficient solution for managing entry and exit points.
Types of Bi-Folding Gates
Bi-folding gates come in various designs, each tailored to meet specific needs and environments. The main types include:
- Single bi-fold gates
- Double bi-fold gates
- Telescopic bi-fold gates
- Cantilever bi-fold gates
Each type offers unique benefits and is suited for different applications, from residential properties to high-traffic commercial sites.
Bi-folding gates offer versatile options to meet diverse requirements, from space-saving telescopic gates to robust cantilever gates for uneven terrain. Compliance with industry standards ensures all types deliver high security and performance, including bifolding gates.
Single vs. Double Bi-Fold Gates
Single bi-fold gates, which have one set of panels that fold into themselves, are ideal for smaller openings and residential applications. They are perfect for properties with limited space, offering a compact and efficient access solution. Bifolding gates provide an excellent option for maximising functionality.
Double bi-fold gates have the following features and uses:
- Consists of two sets of panels that meet in the middle
- Offer a wider opening suitable for higher traffic volumes and larger vehicles
- They are better suited for commercial and industrial uses
- Can accommodate larger vehicles and manage increased traffic flow
These gates are particularly effective in environments such as loading docks and large commercial properties, where eliminating space and efficiency are critical considerations for the sales team.
Telescopic Bi-Fold Gates
Telescopic bi-fold gates have the following features and advantages:
- Retract into smaller spaces, making them ideal for areas with limited room.
- Designed to operate in narrow spaces without large tracks or height adjustments.
- Offer a significant space-saving advantage.
The lightweight design and minimal headroom requirements of telescopic bi-fold gates make them highly efficient. Multiple panels slide and stack to the side, minimising the required opening width, making them practical for tight spaces.
Cantilever Bi-Fold Gates
Cantilever bi-fold gates, which operate without a ground track, have the following advantages:
- Suitable for fluctuating terrain
- Effective on uneven terrains
- Allow smooth operation even on sloped surfaces
- Significantly reduce maintenance requirements
Cantilever bi-fold gates, which eliminate the need for a ground track, are ideal for areas where excavation is difficult or undesirable. Their robust construction and low maintenance requirements make them a reliable choice for various applications, including industrial sites and high-security environments.
Integrated Control Panels for Bi-Folding Gates
Integrated control panels significantly enhance the efficiency and security of bi-folding speed gates. These panels enable seamless integration with other security systems, ensuring smooth operation and reliable performance.
Bi-folding gates can utilise either single-phase or three-phase motors, enhancing their versatility. In the event of a power failure, a quick-release facility allows for manual operation, ensuring continuous security.
Customisation options for bi-folding gates include variations in size, leaf configurations, and access control systems, making them adaptable to various security needs.
Programmable Control Systems
Programmable control panels enhance control and integration for bi-folding speed gates, allowing for tailored access solutions. These systems enable customised functionality, adapting to various user needs and security protocols, enhancing both security and operational efficiency.
The PLC-controlled slowdown feature ensures gates open and close gently, minimising wear and preventing accidents during gate movement. This feature enhances smooth operation and significantly reduces the risk of accidents, making the gates safer for both vehicles and pedestrians.
PLC Controlled Slowdown
The PLC-controlled slowdown mechanism is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of bi-folding speed gates. This technology ensures gentle opening and closing, minimising wear and tear on components and reducing the likelihood of accidents, thereby enhancing safety and prolonging the gates’ lifespan.
PLC-controlled slowdown ensures bi-folding gates operate smoothly, providing a reliable and secure access solution. This technology is particularly beneficial in high-traffic environments, as it helps maintain performance and reduces maintenance needs.
High-Security Applications

Bi-folding speed gates are increasingly used in high-security environments for their ability to enhance site security and operational efficiency. They allow for quick closure, minimising the risk of unauthorised access and ensuring only authorised personnel can enter. Integration with advanced security systems, such as biometric scanners, makes them a robust solution for managing access at high-security sites.
Bi-folding speed gates can meet PAS 68 crash test standards, making them suitable for the highest security environments. Recent installations at various sites, including local authorities, utilities, shopping centres, and commercial depots, highlight their versatility and effectiveness in enhancing security and efficiency.
Corporate Access Roads
Bi-folding speed gates enhance security protocols for corporate access points by deterring unauthorised entry. Their quick operation reduces the time entrances are open, limiting opportunities for unauthorised access and reducing wait times for authorised users, facilitating smoother traffic flow at busy corporate locations.
The combination of security features and fast access makes bi-folding gates ideal for managing access at corporate facilities. Integration with access control systems ensures only authorised personnel can enter, providing a secure and efficient solution for corporate access roads.
Multi-Storey Car Parks
Effective traffic management is crucial in busy multi-storey car parks to prevent congestion and improve vehicle flow. Bi-folding speed gates enable authorised vehicles to pass through with minimal delay, facilitating smooth traffic flow. Their design allows for controlled access, enhancing security by reducing the time gates remain open and deterring unauthorised entry.
Integrating bi-folding speed gates with existing parking systems streamlines entry and exit processes, enhancing overall operational efficiency. These gates are particularly effective in busy car parks where quick access and security are paramount, making them a valuable addition to any multi-storey parking facility.
Prison Entrances
Bi-folding gates, designed for rapid operation, are ideal for secure locations like prisons. Their quick opening and closing are crucial for maintaining security and controlling inmate movement at prison entrances. By minimising the time gates remain open, bi-folding gates significantly enhance the security of prison facilities, ensuring only authorised individuals can enter or exit.
The robust design of bi-folding gates, combined with advanced access control options, makes them ideal for high-security sites like prisons. Their quick and efficient operation ensures that security is never compromised, providing a reliable solution for managing access in these critical environments.
Customisation Options

Customisation allows bi-folding speed gates to meet specific security and aesthetic needs. Unique designs can enhance their functionality and appearance, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. From material choices to colour finishes, bi-folding gates offer various customisation options to suit different environments and preferences.
Programmable control systems enhance the customisation of bi-folding speed gates, allowing for tailored access control options that meet specific site security needs. Whether for a high-security facility requiring advanced access control or a residential property seeking a unique design, bi-folding gates can be customised to meet any requirement.
Material Choices
Selecting the right material for bi-folding speed gates ensures durability, security, and low maintenance. Common materials include:
- Steel: favoured for high-security locations due to its strength and impact resistance.
- Aluminium: offers a balance between strength and ease of handling, being lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
- Wood: used in less industrial settings for its aesthetic appeal and natural insulation.
The choice of material significantly impacts the gate’s performance and maintenance requirements. Selecting a suitable material ensures that bi-folding gates provide reliable and long-lasting performance, tailored to specific needs.
RAL Colours and Finishes
The RAL colour system offers around 200 options for powder-coated bi-folding gates, allowing customers to select finishes that align with their aesthetic preferences. Popular choices include grey, black, and white, but the wide spectrum of RAL colours enables customisation to fit any branding or personal preference, ensuring consistency and quality.
Custom paint finishes using RAL colours enhance the visual appeal of bi-folding gates. Whether for residential properties or commercial facilities, these finishes can be tailored to match the overall design and aesthetic, adding a touch of elegance and professionalism.
Weather Resistance
Weather resistance is crucial for bi-folding gates, ensuring functionality and longevity in harsh environments. Techniques and treatments that significantly improve weather resistance include:
- Hot zinc spraying
- Galvanizing
- Powder coating
- Custom treatments that enhance resilience against harsh conditions
These methods ensure gates remain operational and durable.
Adding a weather-resistant coating can significantly extend the lifespan of bi-folding gates, reducing maintenance needs and ensuring consistent performance. These treatments are essential for gates installed in environments exposed to extreme weather, providing continuous protection and reliability.
Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation and maintenance are crucial for the optimal performance of bi-folding speed gates. Key aspects include:
- Professional installation services ensure that the gates are installed correctly and operate smoothly over time.
- Qualified engineers provide a detailed risk assessment tailored to the specific environment.
- This assessment ensures safety and functionality during the installation process.
Bi-folding speed gates are designed to be low maintenance, with materials that resist wear and components that require minimal upkeep. Regular inspections can prevent wear and ensure the longevity of the gates without extensive maintenance, making them a reliable and efficient access solution for various applications.
Professional Installation Services
Gate automation engineers need to be DHF qualified. Key points include:
- A minimum qualification of level 2 is required to ensure proper installation.
- Professional installation is critical to ensuring that bi-folding speed gates operate correctly and last longer.
- Proper installation by qualified professionals minimises operational issues.
- This enhances the durability and effectiveness of bi-folding speed gates.
Investing in professional installation ensures that the gates provide optimal performance and security, benefiting any high-traffic site. This investment not only guarantees the efficiency of the gates but also enhances their lifespan, providing a cost-effective solution to install in the long run.
Low Maintenance Features
Bi-fold gates have several advantages:
- They can operate continuously, making them suitable for environments with constant traffic.
- They typically feature materials that resist wear, reducing upkeep needs.
- Trackless bi-folding gates have fewer moving parts, which contributes to reduced maintenance requirements over time.
The hydraulic system used in bi-fold gates features a minimal number of moving components, ensuring low maintenance needs. This unique design ensures that the gates provide smooth and quiet operation, making them ideal for both residential and commercial applications.
Case Studies and Success Stories
Real-world examples of successful installations highlight the effectiveness of bi-folding speed gates in various settings:
- Double bi-folding speed gates have significantly improved security and streamlined operations in busy environments, such as a recent project in Manchester.
- These gates have proven to be invaluable in enhancing access control.
- They help prevent unauthorised entry at high-security sites.
In residential settings, bi-folding speed gates have shown effective access control, while commercial installations demonstrate ease of operation and integration with security systems. Feedback from users highlights improved security measures and streamlined traffic management as significant benefits observed from installations in both sectors.
High-Security Site Installations
Bi-folding speed gates are increasingly used in high-security sites to enhance access control and prevent unauthorised entry. These gates not only provide secure access but also facilitate efficient traffic flow, making them ideal for high-security environments. In corporate access roads, bi-folding gates ensure that only authorised personnel can enter, providing enhanced security while maintaining efficient entry.
Additionally, these gates are essential at prison entrances due to their quick operation, contributing to heightened security measures. Their ability to manage vehicle access and security at multi-storey car parks further demonstrates their versatility and effectiveness.
Residential and Commercial Use
Bi-folding speed gates have become essential in both residential and commercial settings due to their ability to enhance security and optimise traffic flow. Case studies of bi-folding speed gates in residential properties show effective access control, while commercial installations demonstrate ease of operation and integration with security systems.
These gates’ versatility allows them to fit various architectural styles and site requirements, making them an ideal solution for a range of applications. Feedback from users highlights improved security measures and streamlined traffic management as significant details observed from installations in both sectors, including bollards.
This versatility and effectiveness make bi-folding speed gates a valuable addition to any residential or commercial property.
Technical Information
Bi-folding gates are constructed to meet the static load requirements outlined in DIN EN 12424 and 12444. Qualified engineers ensure that gates are installed according to industry standards, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and reliable operation. Certified installation teams are trained to comply with safety standards that govern powered gates, providing peace of mind for users.
Adhering to compliance standards like DIN EN 12424 and 12444 not only enhances gate efficiency but also promotes user safety. By ensuring that bi-folding gates meet these standards, users can be confident in the performance and reliability of their access control solutions.
Compliance Standards
Bi-folding gates must adhere to DIN EN 12424 and 12444 standards to ensure safety and performance. Compliance with established standards is crucial for ensuring the safety and performance of bi-folding gates. Failure to comply with these standards may result in safety hazards and unreliable gate performance.
Adhering to compliance standards like DIN EN 12424 and 12444 not only enhances gate efficiency but also promotes user safety. By meeting these standards, bi-folding gates provide reliable and secure access solutions for a wide range of applications.
Hydraulic and Mechanical Design
Programmable control systems enhance the functionality of bi-folding speed gates, allowing for integration with various access control systems. The PLC-controlled slowdown is crucial for the safe operation of bi-folding speed gates, preventing damage and ensuring user safety during opening and closing. This feature ensures that gates operate smoothly and safely, providing a reliable access control solution.
Compliance with DIN EN 12424 and 12444 standards ensures that bi-folding speed gates meet safety and performance expectations. The hydraulic design of these gates enhances their durability and efficiency, making them suitable for high-traffic environments where performance and reliability are paramount.
Summary
In summary, bi-folding speed gates offer unparalleled advantages in terms of speed, security, and efficiency. Their rapid operation and enhanced security features make them ideal for high-traffic environments and high-security sites. With various types available, including single, double, telescopic, and cantilever bi-fold gates, there is a suitable option for every application.
The integration of advanced control panels and programmable systems further enhances their functionality, providing tailored access solutions for a wide range of needs. Customisation options, professional installation, and low maintenance features ensure that bi-folding speed gates provide reliable and efficient access control for any setting. By choosing bi-folding speed gates, users can enjoy faster flow and tighter security, making them the ultimate solution for modern access control needs.
