High Speed Roller Shutter Doors - GEA Industrial

1. What Are High-Speed Roller Shutter Doors and How Do They Work? In busy industrial and commercial environments, keeping operations running smoothly, safely, and efficiently is a top priority. That’s where high-speed roller shutter doors come in—they open and close much faster than standard shutters, helping to streamline workflow and reduce energy loss. Since 1994, GEA Industrial has been at the forefront of specialised door technology. As the sole Irish distributor for EFAFLEX—the world’s fastest and safest high-speed door systems—GEA has installed over 1,100 EFAFLEX doors across the island of Ireland. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what high-speed roller shutter doors are, how they work, and why they’re a smart solution for many industries. What Are High-Speed Roller Shutter Doors? High-speed roller shutter doors are advanced, motorised doors designed to open and close much faster than conventional shutters. They are typically used in industrial and commercial settings such as warehouses, food processing plants, distribution centres, clean rooms, and automotive facilities. These doors are ideal for high-traffic areas where speed and efficiency are crucial. Unlike traditional shutter doors, which may take several seconds to open or close, high-speed doors can operate in a matter of seconds—some models open at speeds of up to 2.5 meters per second. This rapid operation helps to minimise downtime, improve traffic flow, and maintain internal climate control. Key Features High-Speed Operation: Opens and closes rapidly to support high-volume movement. Durable Materials: Often made from strong PVC or aluminium, with reinforced components for heavy use. Automated Functionality: Typically equipped with motion sensors, remote controls, or push- button systems. Safety Mechanisms: Include soft bottom edges, light curtains, and emergency stop functions. Energy Efficiency: Helps reduce heat loss or gain, contributing to energy savings.

2. How Do High Speed Roller Shutter Doors Work? High-speed shutter doors operate using a combination of advanced motor technology, sensors, and control systems. Here's a breakdown of the working mechanism: Motorised Operation: These doors use a high-powered electric motor that enables fast and smooth rolling action. The motor drives a barrel which winds and unwinds the curtain or slats vertically. Control Systems: Most high-speed doors are controlled by a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), which allows for customizable opening and closing speeds, delay timers, and integration with building management systems. Sensor Activation: High-speed doors often use motion detectors, induction loops, or pull cords for activation. These sensors detect approaching vehicles, equipment, or personnel and automatically trigger the door to open. Safety Mechanisms: Modern high-speed doors feature built-in safety features such as: 1.Light grids or photocells to detect obstructions. 2.Emergency release systems in case of power failure. 3.Soft bottom edges to prevent injury or damage upon closing. Sealing Systems: Most high-speed doors include flexible side guides and seals to protect against wind, dust, and temperature fluctuations, making them ideal for climate-sensitive areas. Where Are High-Speed Roller Shutter Doors Used? These doors are commonly found in: Warehouses and distribution centres Food and pharmaceutical industries Cold storage and clean rooms Automotive workshops Airports and logistics hubs