3 Types of Automatic Doors And The Benefits of Each

Keep reading to find out more about this elusive third door, plus a bit more about the other automatic door systems, including how they work, and some of the key benefits these types of doors bring to businesses and other organisations.

Automatic sliding doors

The classic design of an automatic door - you’ve likely even walked through one today. Yes, we’re talking about the automatic sliding door, the ingenious invention that brought effortless grace to entering or exiting a building, or moving from one area of a building to the next.

How do automatic sliding doors work?

Automatic sliding doors, whether sliding storefront doors or automatic doors used in hotels, hospitals or offices, are all mounted on rails or tracks, and open and close with the use of a motor, connected via a gear drive or chain drive.

To operate when a person approaches, automatic sliding doors utilise various types of sensors, including pressure sensors, motion sensors, optical sensors, radar sensors, or passive or active infrared sensors.

Key benefits of automatic sliding doors?

• Improved accessibility – Like any automatic door system, automatic sliding doors provide easy and independent access to people with mobility issues.
• Improved traffic flow – Automatic sliding doors allow for improved traffic flow in all types of settings, and are particularly beneficial to the retail sector.
• Security – Automatic sliding doors are robust and resistant to forced entry, and can also be operated remotely to aid security.

Automatic swing doors

Commonly used in small shops, hospitals, schools and colleges and offices etc., automatic swing doors are another classic design that simply provides a much more convenient, quicker and safer way to enter or exit a building.

How do automatic swing doors work?

Automatic swing doors work with the help of a pneumatic hinged pivot, connected to a low-voltage motor. This opening and closing system can be activated by motion detectors, or in the case of power-assisted doors, when pushed manually.

Key Benefits of Automatic Swing Doors

• Security – Like automatic sliding doors, automatic swing doors are more resistant to being forced than manually controlled doors, and can also be operated remotely.
• Energy saving – Automatic swing doors will only be open when required, therefore keep heat in, and in the process help to save energy.
• Improved accessibility – An automatic swing door system helps to allow people with reduced mobility hassle-free entry into a premises.

Automatic telescopic doors

OK, we’ve cheated a bit, due to automatic telescopic doors essentially being automatic sliding doors, but there is a difference, in that these doors consist of a series of sliding doors that open telescopically to allow a much greater width.

How do telescopic automatic doors work?

Similar to a regular sliding door, a telescopic automatic door relies on the use of tracks with a belt or gear system connected to a motor, but its operation is also aided by pickup brushes that enable both doors to move together.

Key benefits of a telescopic automatic door system

• Aid traffic flow – Due to the extra width when opened, a telescopic door system allows a greater number of pedestrians to safely enter or exit a premises.
• Adaptability – Telescopic door systems can be adapted for a large variety of properties, big and small, including retail spaces, shopping malls and airports.
• Aesthetically pleasing – With their modern lines and effortless operation, telescopic automatic doors look stunning on almost any commercial property.

Contact us

If you’re looking for a specialist in the design, installation, servicing and repair of commercial automatic entry doors, contact Reactive Doors, one of Milton Keynes and the UK's leading automatic door companies.