Control Panels, Automation Friends

In industrial settings, automatic doors need to operate with efficiency, safety, and reliability. Playing a vital role in ensuring this are control panels, often referred to as the "best friends" of automatic doors. These panels monitor and manage every movement, simplifying the overall operation while making the system more user-friendly. They not only optimize performance but also reduce the need for extensive maintenance. In this article, we will explore how control panels enhance the management of industrial automation and their contribution to keeping automated doors functioning at their best.

Types of Control Panel Applications

Each industrial sector has unique operational needs that depend on the type of door, environmental conditions, and safety requirements. Properly configured control panels allow for the efficient management of these variables, ensuring the smooth operation of automated doors in a wide range of settings.

Here are some common industrial applications for control panels:

• Cold Storage Doors: In refrigerated environments, precise control of quick door operations is crucial to maintain temperature. Control panels with inverters help regulate speed to minimize thermal losses.
• Industrial Sectional Doors: Widely used in warehouses and logistics centers, these doors require flexibility in opening and closing speed, often managed by control panels equipped with inverters to optimize workflow.
• High-Speed Doors: With rapid opening and closing cycles, these doors rely on control panels with inverters to regulate speed and minimize energy consumption.
• Industrial Sliding Gates: These gates require advanced control panels integrated with obstacle detection sensors for safe operation.
• Industrial Shutters: Found in factories, control panels efficiently manage opening and closing cycles for shutters.
• Folding Doors: Used in large industrial openings, folding doors need control panels that provide smooth, controlled operation, often with inverters for optimized movement.
• Fire Doors: Critical for safety in industrial facilities, control panels for fire doors must automatically trigger closure in response to emergencies such as smoke or heat detection.
• Automatic Swing Doors: Common in industrial buildings, these doors are managed by control panels that often include motion sensors for automatic operation.

Customization of Control Panels

One of the most significant benefits of control panel technology is the ability to customize the system to meet specific operational needs. This customization offers several key advantages:

• Adaptability to Operational Needs: Every industrial facility has different requirements for door usage, speed, and safety. Customized control panels ensure that the system operates at peak efficiency.
• Operating Mode Configuration: Customization allows for manual adjustments or automated modes based on workflow demands, such as during high-traffic periods.
• Advanced Features and Component Integration: Control panels can integrate with advanced systems like safety sensors, obstacle detection, and real-time diagnostics that monitor performance and alert users to potential issues or maintenance needs.
• User Interface Customization: Some control panels, like Startec's Ice Touch, feature customizable touchscreen interfaces, making daily operation and configuration more intuitive and reducing the need for technical support.
• Remote Monitoring and Updates: Modern control panels can be updated and monitored remotely via Wi-Fi or cloud platforms, allowing for real-time data monitoring and rapid intervention in case of issues or necessary software updates.

Control Panels With or Without Inverter: Which to Choose?

Inverters offer notable advantages in energy efficiency and precise motor control, but not all applications require them. For installations with less frequent or slower operations, a control panel without an inverter can be a more cost-effective solution.

The decision to use an inverter depends on the frequency and intensity of the door’s use. High-speed doors and other systems requiring variable speed control benefit significantly from inverters. In contrast, for applications where automation is used less frequently, non-inverter panels may suffice and offer simpler operation.

Ice Touch by Startec: A Versatile and Advanced Solution

One of the leading solutions in the industry, Ice Touch by Startec S.r.l., is a highly versatile and customizable control panel. It is designed for industrial applications such as cold storage doors, sectional doors, folding doors, and other types of industrial doors (excluding high-speed doors for exclusivity reasons). By default, Ice Touch is equipped with an inverter, but it can be configured with non-inverter or low-voltage boards to meet specific operational requirements. Additionally, the system includes a 7" touchscreen display for easy management and configuration, and Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control via app or web platform.

Conclusion

The implementation and customization of control panels are fundamental for industrial automation. Every industrial facility can benefit from tailored solutions that improve efficiency and safety. Products like Ice Touch by Startec S.r.l. offer a perfect balance of innovation, flexibility, and control, meeting the operational needs of modern industrial openings.