If you have a metal shutter or a rolling door in a store, the center-shaft motor is usually the “cleanest” and most practical option to automate it: it is integrated into the shaft, saves space and makes opening and closing convenient (and safer) on a day-to-day basis.
In addition, when the assembly is well balanced with springs, the system works fine and lasts much longer.
What is a center shaft motor in doors?
A center shaft motor for rolling doors It is a motor that is installed directly on the winding shaft of the door/shutter. Instead of pulling from the side, the motor acts “from the heart” of the system: the shaft itself, which is the one that winds and unwinds the curtain.
This type of solution is especially designed for roller closures with compensating springs (the springs help to balance the weight), something very common in commercial/retail blinds.
This motor can have up to two unlocking systems, and can be accessed from inside the tent as well as from the outside in case it runs out of power.
Features of Center Shaft Motors
The interesting thing about center-shaft motors is that they combine power with a compact mount, and they also come with technical points that should be known before choosing a model:
- Operation under regulations: these motors are manufactured following European standards related to doors and safety in motorized doors (EN 13241-1 and EN 12453).
- Recommended use: being a single-phase motor, its daily use is limited. It is perfect for “normal” local blinds and garage doors, but it is not the ideal option for intensive use installations, such as community garages with many manoeuvres per day.
- Safety against overloads: incorporates an overload margin that includes starting peaks (it can reach 2 times the nominal current at specific times). This helps to withstand those “hard starts” without going to the limit.
- Manual or unlocking manoeuvre.
- Without brakes, the motor is reversible and the door can be moved manually up or down, as long as it is well balanced.
- With an electromagnetic brake, the motor is irreversible and to move it by hand you have to unlock that brake.
- Useful options: there are versions with limit switch and details such as a clip that makes it easy to regulate. Cable options (e.g. 5 or 6 meters) and quick release are also available.
- Power and ranges (real examples): this range includes alternatives with torques from 140 to 270 Nm, 230V/50Hz power supply, approximate powers from 390 to 670 W, IP42 degree of protection and typical speeds around 9–10 rpm (depending on model).
Other articles that may interest you:
- How to choose the door of a commercial premises?
- Modern Store Facades: Design Tips
- 8 Best Doors for Commercial Stores
- How well is a roll-up door maintained?
- Regulations and CE Marking of Rolling Doors
Why install center-shaft motors on your automatic doors?
When you choose a shaft center motor, what you’re typically looking for is this:
- More comfort without construction and without space on the sides: the system is integrated into the axle, without external “inventions”.
- Space saving: as it is on the axle, it does not steal sides or force bulky solutions. In shops with limited spaces, this is very noticeable.
- Stable and predictable movement: with the door well compensated, the raising and lowering is smoother. Fewer pulls means less wear and tear on the assembly (bearings and hardware).
- Safety and control: correctly configure the closing speed, have unlocking solutions.
- Smart choice according to use: for commercial/retail blinds. If we are talking about a high number of traffic, we have to put an engine for intensive use.
Portalum: Automatic doors with the best motors!
At Portalum it’s not just about “put an engine on and you’re done”. We chose the Shaft center motor suitable for the door size, actual weight, and daily use you are going to have.
Clean mounting, precise latch lock setting, unlocking options and safety check: this is how an automatic door becomes truly comfortable… and not a source of problems.
If you want, we advise you to find the ideal motor for your roller door and leave it installed properly, from day one.
