Automating access points
Automating sliding doors with PrimeMotion B and CleanSwitch
Founded in 1996, the Chinese company OPK – actually Zhongshan Opike Hardware Product Co., Ltd – has made a name for itself with sliding door hardware. With a branch office that opened in Horb am Neckar in 2017, OPK Europe has succeeded in conquering the European and even the Swiss markets. Carpenters who customize sliding doors as well as door and gate manufacturers and retailers rely on OPK’s high-quality and versatile solutions for furniture, room partitioning and construction systems. To add further value to its E-Space range of magnetically operated sliding door hardware, OPK Europe uses sensor systems from BBC Bircher Smart Access for the automatic and contact-free opening of sliding doors in buildings.
Starting position
As standard, a sliding door fitting consists of a top track, two roller carriages with dampers and a bottom guide. OPK’s E-Space system adds a magnetic drive that moves the door automatically and can be activated by touch, remote control or smartphone. To offer customers more options and a premium complete solution, OPK Europe has integrated the PrimeMotion B radar sensor and the CleanSwitch contact-free switch into its portfolio. Customers can order BBC Bircher Smart Access components directly from the OPK catalog.
Project requirements
- Upgrading sliding door systems with standard products
- Additional automation of sliding door fittings with magnetic drive
- Contact-free opening of doors, especially in the medical field
- Compatibility with existing components and the ability to combine elements freely
- Close cooperation with OPK and flexible partnership including service
Solution
Working closely with the customer, BBC Bircher Smart Access further developed its PTIS ceiling integration set for the PrimeTec combined detector and the PrimeScan active infrared detector. Firstly, the designers split the interior of the PTIS integration module into two chambers. A newly inserted labyrinth frame seals the inner chamber from water jets from any direction and therefore satisfies the IP65 protection class. The next step was to add six openings to the cover of the new IP65 version. These enable any water that has entered the outer chamber during cleaning to drain out unimpeded. What’s more, the cover has been manufactured using a UV-resistant plastic to ensure that the white front cover retains its attractive appearance for a long time even when exposed to strong sunlight. To prevent metal corrosion, BBC Bircher has also supplied the PTIS IP65 integration set with rust-proof screws. With this solution, BBC Bircher has been able to help Metalgate to dramatically reduce the number of service call-outs it receives as well as live up to the shipping company’s high design requirements.
Benefits for the customer
- Upgrading the product portfolio
- Additional automation, more opening options
- Contact-free hygienic access
- Can be freely combined with the customer's own solutions
- Easy system integration and inclusion in the portfolio
- Flexible support and fast customer service
„The partnership with Bircher Smart Access has been a great success: The products always create enthusiasm among customers and there are zero complaints. This has brought us another step closer to our goal of gaining further market share with high-quality standard products.“
– Sebastian Krames, Head of Marketing and Sales OPK Europe
