A Guide to Different Types of Automatic Doors and Their Uses

Automatic doors have become a staple in commercial spaces, providing convenience, accessibility, and a professional appearance. With various types of automatic doors available, each designed for specific uses and settings, it’s essential to understand the unique features and benefits of each. This guide explores the different types of automatic doors and how they can enhance functionality and aesthetics in various environments.

1. Sliding Automatic Doors

Sliding automatic doors are one of the most common types, known for their smooth horizontal movement and space-saving design. They are ideal for entrances with high foot traffic, such as shopping malls, airports, and office buildings, where a quick, hands-free entrance is crucial.

Key Features of Sliding Doors

• Open horizontally along a track, eliminating the need for additional space to swing open
• Equipped with sensors to detect movement and open automatically
• Designed to handle continuous use, making them durable for busy areas

Best Uses
Sliding automatic doors are perfect for high-traffic areas where space is limited. They’re often seen at the main entrances of retail stores, hospitals, and office buildings, where they provide easy access and enhance traffic flow.

2. Swing Automatic Doors

Swing automatic doors operate like traditional hinged doors, opening either inwards or outwards. These doors are typically used in settings that require accessibility features for those with mobility limitations, as they provide a wider, clear opening.

Features of Swing Doors

• Can be programmed to open inwards or outwards depending on the space available
• Often equipped with push plates or motion sensors for hands-free use
• Designed to accommodate wheelchair users and other mobility aids

Ideal Settings
Swing automatic doors are well-suited for locations like healthcare facilities, hotels, and small businesses. Their familiar design makes them ideal for entrances that may need to comply with accessibility standards while maintaining a traditional appearance.

3. Revolving Automatic Doors

Revolving automatic doors are designed for continuous access while minimizing air exchange, making them highly energy-efficient. These doors consist of multiple panels that rotate around a central axis, allowing people to enter and exit simultaneously without significant temperature fluctuations.

Characteristics of Revolving Doors

• Excellent at minimizing energy loss by reducing indoor-outdoor air exchange
• Allows for continuous access with no need to open or close fully each time
• Available in various sizes to accommodate single or multiple users

Common Applications
Revolving automatic doors are popular in large buildings like hotels, corporate offices, and airports. They create a grand, modern entrance while maintaining indoor temperature, which is particularly beneficial in climates with extreme weather conditions.

4. Telescoping Automatic Doors

Telescoping automatic doors are similar to sliding doors but have multiple panels that slide open in a compact manner. This design allows for a larger opening in limited space, providing more clearance than standard sliding doors.

Telescoping Door Features

• Made of multiple panels that slide over each other, creating a wide opening
• Ideal for areas where space is tight, as they maximize the available opening width
• Often used in high-traffic areas due to their efficient design

Best Uses
Telescoping automatic doors are commonly installed in hospitals, airports, and retail stores, where wider access is necessary for the movement of large items, wheelchairs, or stretchers. They offer a space-saving solution without compromising on accessibility.

5. Folding Automatic Doors

Folding automatic doors, sometimes known as bi-fold or accordion doors, fold as they open, making them a practical choice for narrow spaces. These doors create a wide opening without requiring additional floor space, making them useful in settings where other door types may not fit.

Notable Features of Folding Doors

• Fold neatly to the side, creating an unobstructed entrance
• Compact design allows them to be used in narrow entryways
• Equipped with sensors for automatic operation, ensuring hands-free access

Ideal Applications
Folding automatic doors are well-suited for small businesses, restaurants, and healthcare facilities. They’re particularly useful in spaces where entryways are tight, providing an accessible and efficient solution for both customers and staff.

6. Hermetic Sealing Doors

Hermetic sealing doors are a specialized type of automatic door that creates an airtight seal when closed. These doors are often used in environments where air quality and contamination control are critical, such as laboratories, clean rooms, and hospitals.

Key Characteristics of Hermetic Doors

• Provides an airtight seal to prevent air leakage and contamination
• Designed for areas with strict hygiene and environmental control requirements
• Often made from materials that can withstand rigorous cleaning and disinfecting

Applications
Hermetic sealing doors are commonly used in healthcare settings, such as operating rooms and clean rooms, as well as research labs and manufacturing facilities. They offer a secure and sterile barrier, essential for maintaining the controlled environment in these spaces.

7. Curved and Circular Automatic Doors

Curved and circular automatic doors offer a unique, visually appealing design, often used in high-end retail and hospitality settings. These doors combine style with functionality, providing a smooth, automatic entrance that enhances the building’s overall aesthetic.

Features of Curved and Circular Doors

• Available in various shapes, including circular, semicircular, and curved designs
• Adds an elegant and modern look to any entrance
• Often made with glass to create an open, welcoming feel

Where They’re Used
Curved and circular automatic doors are commonly found in luxury hotels, upscale retail stores, and architectural showpieces. They provide an impressive entryway while offering the convenience of automatic operation.

8. Low Energy Automatic Doors

Low energy automatic doors operate at a slower speed than standard automatic doors, making them energy-efficient and quieter. These doors are particularly beneficial for settings where noise control is important or where doors need to accommodate both automatic and manual operation.

Benefits of Low Energy Doors

• Operates at a reduced speed, conserving energy and reducing noise
• Can switch between automatic and manual operation as needed
• Often designed for quiet environments, such as libraries or office buildings

Ideal Environments
Low energy automatic doors are commonly used in libraries, offices, and other quiet spaces where noise reduction is a priority. They also work well in buildings that need to balance automatic convenience with manual options.

9. Industrial High-Speed Automatic Doors

High-speed automatic doors are specifically designed for industrial settings where quick, frequent access is required. These doors operate at high speeds, allowing for efficient movement of people, machinery, or goods.

Characteristics of High-Speed Doors

• Built to open and close rapidly, minimizing air exchange and energy loss
• Often reinforced for durability and resistance to wear in busy settings
• Ideal for areas that require frequent access and quick operation

Applications
High-speed automatic doors are ideal for warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers, where efficiency and productivity are essential. These doors help streamline operations by providing fast and secure access for staff and equipment.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of automatic doors can help you choose the right one for your commercial space. From sliding and swinging doors to more specialized options like hermetic sealing and high-speed doors, each type serves a unique purpose tailored to specific needs. When selecting an automatic door, consider the function, environment, and level of traffic in your space to ensure you make the best choice.

Consult with a specialist to explore options that fit your building’s requirements. With the right automatic door, you can enhance accessibility, convenience, and security in any commercial setting. Read More