One of the benefits of bi-folding gates is that they open and close in half the time compared to a traditional swing gate. It is also true that bi-folding gates require very little room for the gate to swing open as the gate leaves are half the length of a swing gate equivalent. Therefore bi-folding gates often over-come entrance limitations in freeing up valuable road, driveway and or car park space. 

Also commonly referred to as Folding Gates, Radius Gates, Scissor Gates, Sliding Collapsible Gates, Concertina Gates and Bi Parting Gates. 

 

The name ‘speed gate’ was a term coined by the industry during the products original conception as it is faster in operation than a conventional swing gate. Now, we call it a bi-folding gate to avoid confusion because, pedestrian lane control gates found in buildings such as airport are also called speed gates. 

 

A bi-folding gate is an assembly of two folding leaves attached to a post, folding together as they swing open. On closing operation, movement is reversed, so the gate leaves fold out. The leading leaf and trailing leaf leaves are connected by hinges. 

There are two types of bi-folding gates available, tracked and trackless. The track or trackless ‘mechanism’ enables the trailing and leading leaves to fold in (open operation) or fold out (close operation). When determining your bi-folding gate, it is important to establish whether you require tracked or trackless as both have their advantages and disadvantages. 

 

Tracked bi-folding gates are often lower in initial cost than trackless alternatives as folding mechanisms are not required. Instead tracked bi-folding gates comprise of an over-head mounted track or a ground track, a channel section across the finish floor level (FFL) of the road surface that acts as a guide: 

 

In 2002, Cova Security Gates Ltd introduced the first trackless bi-folding gate to market. A chain and sprocket mechanism was utilised, mounted on the top of the gate between the motor post and hinges joining the trailing and leading leaves (image 1). Shortly after, we introduced the rack and pinion mechanism (mounted on the bottom) as an alternative for customers who wanted spikes on their gates (image 2). 

 

Since then, other manufacturers have introduced adapted and alternative mechanisms but the idea remains. The rack and pinion mechanism can now be purchased as an off-the-shelf item to be retrofitted for domestic installers. 

Trackless bi-folding gates are easier and quicker to install compared to their tracked alternatives. Top tracked bi-folding gates are inherintly reliable in operation and will give many years service as oppossed to bi-folding gates utilising a ground track which inevitably detoriate at a greater rate. In summary, any bi-folding gate type that doesn't use a ground track will be far superior in operational reliability. This is equally true in terms of maintenance. 

You can purchase bi-folding gates in two variations, either a single unit or a bi-parting pair. A single unit (Image 3) means that there is 1no. motor post, 1no. trailing leaf, 1no. leading leaf and 1no. receptor post. A bi-parting pair (Image 4) is when there is 2no. motor posts, 2no. trailing leaves and 2no. leading leaves. 

The choice of bi-folding gate may be based on specification, budget, engineering or mixture of these factors. The maximum width (road opening) of a single unit bi-folding gate is almost always half that of a bi-parting pair (as a bi-parting pair is essentially 2no. single units without the receptor post). For smaller entrances where a single unit could fit, some clients prefer to utilise a bi-parting pair. The reason for this can be lack of room for the gate to swing open or just because the gate will open and close faster. A bi-parting pair at the same width of a single unit will open faster as there are 4no. gate leaves and 2no. motors. A bi-parting pair may be more expensive though as you are effectively purchasing 2no. gates which means double the components and materials for the manufacturer. 

This is often a very confusing subject and many people have their own understanding however the common approach is left and right hand is always determined by looking at the gate from the insecure side or attack side (outside of the perimeter). 

Some manufacturers utilise hydraulic, electromechanical and occasionally pneumatic systems to operate their bi-folding gates. During our early years in business, we invested in research of pneumatic systems however we found the solution inferior compared to hydraulic. At Cova Security Gates, we provide both hydraulic and electromechanical solutions that are designed and manufactured specifically for our product range. Several factors will determine which solution is best: 

Many manufacturers utilise DIY gate kits consisting of control boards, hydraulic actuators or motors to operate their gates. These kits are designed to meet domestic market requirements at a low cost, offering a plug-and-play solution for installers to automate gates to desired control philosophies via dipswitches or joysticks. The kits are programmed like a ‘Casio Watch’ making them popular among installers serving the domestic market. 

 

Here at Cova Security Gates , we design and manufacture everything from the physical gates and control systems using the highest quality components available. From time to time, we do utilise DIY kits for bespoke ‘one-off’ products when appropriate. 

When purchasing your bi-folding gate, it is crucial that you know how you want your gate to operate, i.e., will it be open all day between the hours of 9am to 5pm or will it remain closed until an open command (a prompt to open the gate) is given? This is determined through an operational philosophy written and approved between the gate supplier and customer. 

 

Here at Cova Security Gates, the operational philosophy document is used as a reference for teams during the design, manufacture, and commissioning process of a gate system, as such this is a critical step in ensuring get the best solution. 

A programmable logic controller (PLC) is a compact digital microprocessor used for building management and industrial machine automation applications. PLCs, receive input signals from buttons, switches, and sensors. Signals are processed to programmed logic and then outputted to devices such as motors, lamps, and visual indicators. This process constantly repeats during operation. In addition to PLCs, various other components are utilised such as: variable frequency drive inverters (VFD), terminals, contactors, circuit breakers, resistors, capacitors, power supplies, relays, safety edge controllers and road loop amplifiers. 

 

An off the shelf control board is a printed circuit board (PCB) that come as part of a DIY gate kit as described above. 

PLC-based control systems are the recognised way of controlling machines within the automation community – i.e., lifts, conveyor belts, pumps, robotics, building management and traffic management. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK recognise, security gates as machines. We would always recommend the use of a PLC because it enables flexibility to achieve bespoke operational philosophies while offering assurance against redundancy in the future. For example, most control boards do not offer traffic light compatibility by default, and they tend to be upgraded or discontinued frequently. On the other hand, PLCs can be programmed anyway you wish and replacement parts can be sourced anywhere in the world.