Modular Guarding
ARK Automation supplies bi-fold gates for modular machine guarding systems, robotic cells, automated equipment, production areas, conveyors, and other industrial applications that require a practical access point through perimeter guarding.
A bi-fold gate uses hinged gate sections that fold together as the gate opens. This can reduce the swing projection required compared with a single full-width hinged gate, making bi-fold configurations useful where a wider opening is needed but surrounding floor space is limited.
For exact dimension values, please refer to the table below.
Access points in a machine guarding system need to balance safety, workflow, equipment clearance, and available floor space. A large conventional hinge gate may require a significant clear area to swing through, while a sliding gate requires space along the guarding line.
A bi-fold gate provides another option by dividing the moving gate into folding sections. This can make it useful for applications such as:
Visit our machine guarding applications page for more examples of modular guarding used around industrial machinery and automated equipment.
Bi-fold gates can be a practical choice when a conventional hinge gate would project too far into an aisle, work area, or equipment zone when opened.
Unlike a slide gate, a bi-fold gate does not need the same amount of uninterrupted guarding length beside the opening for the gate panel to retract. However, it still requires enough clearance for the folding sections to move safely.
The best gate style depends on the required opening, surrounding machinery, available floor space, frequency of access, and how personnel or materials will move through the guarded area.
ARK Automation bi-fold gates are available in a range of widths and configurations to suit different guarding layouts and access requirements.
Available gate heights include:
Available panel styles include:
The product table below includes specific part numbers, widths, heights, opening configurations, panel styles, and available screen options. Refer to the table and product documentation for the exact dimensions and configuration required for your guarding system.
A bi-fold gate should be planned as part of the complete guarding system rather than selected only by opening width. The folding movement, nearby machinery, aisle space, operator workflow, and access frequency can all affect the appropriate gate configuration.
Before selecting a bi-fold gate, consider:
A bi-fold gate is one part of the overall machine safeguarding system. Gate location, opening size, surrounding guarding, access frequency, and any safety controls should be evaluated based on the specific machinery and hazards involved.
In Ontario, Ontario Regulation 851 for Industrial Establishments requires exposed moving parts and certain machine hazards to be guarded by a guard or other device that prevents worker access to the hazard.
For facilities operating in the United States, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.212 establishes general requirements for machine guarding. OSHA also recognizes gates as movable barriers that may form part of a perimeter safeguarding system.
Depending on the application and risk assessment, the gate may also need to work with an interlocking device or safety control system using components such as a safety relay or programmable safety controller.
For additional planning considerations, see ARK Automation’s guide to machine guarding standards and ANSI considerations.
Bi-fold gates can be combined with ARK Automation panels, posts, brackets, and other gate styles to create a complete machine guarding enclosure around industrial equipment.
Different access points within the same facility may require different gate configurations. A standard hinge gate may work well for personnel access, a double slide gate may suit a wider opening with available horizontal space, while a bi-fold gate can provide a useful alternative where a wide opening is needed but the available swing area is more limited.
To download the Catalogue Page, click on the link below:
Learn more about bi-fold gates, machine guarding access points, available sizes and panel styles, clearance requirements, and what to consider when choosing a gate for an industrial guarding system.
A bi-fold machine guarding gate uses two hinged sections that fold together as the gate opens. This reduces the distance that a single large gate leaf needs to project into the surrounding area and can provide a practical access point within a modular guarding system.
A bi-fold gate can provide a relatively wide access opening while reducing the swing projection compared with a single full-width hinged gate. It can be useful where a larger opening is required but nearby machinery, aisles, workstations, or other equipment limit the available floor space.
Yes. A bi-fold gate still requires clearance for its hinged sections to move as the gate opens and closes. However, because the sections fold together, the required swing area can be smaller than that of a single gate leaf covering the same overall opening.
A bi-fold gate opens through hinged folding sections, while a slide gate moves horizontally along the guarding line. A slide gate requires sufficient horizontal space beside the opening, while a bi-fold gate requires space for the folding sections to move. The better option depends on the equipment layout and available clearance.
ARK Automation lists bi-fold gates in heights of 1400 mm, 1700 mm, 2000 mm, and 2300 mm. Refer to the product table on this page for available widths, part numbers, opening configurations, and panel options.
Available panel styles include 1×1 welded wire mesh, 2×2 welded wire mesh, Lexan, and solid steel. The appropriate panel style depends on the machinery, visibility requirements, surrounding guarding system, and hazards involved in the application.
Yes. Bi-fold gates can be used as access points in robotic and automated cells when their size, movement, and configuration suit the guarding layout. The complete robotic cell should also be evaluated to determine appropriate safety distances, interlocking, controls, and other protective measures.
A bi-fold gate can form part of an interlocked machine safeguarding system when required by the application’s risk assessment. The specific interlock, monitoring method, safety circuit, and machine response depend on the equipment, hazards, access frequency, and applicable safety requirements.
A bi-fold gate may be worth considering when the required opening is too wide for a conventional hinge gate to swing comfortably within the available space. Because the gate folds into multiple sections, it can reduce the amount of clear floor area needed during opening.
Helpful information includes the required opening width and height, surrounding guarding dimensions, available swing clearance, nearby equipment, preferred panel style, access requirements, and any known interlocking or machine safety requirements. Drawings, CAD files, sketches, photos, and guarding layouts can also help ARK Automation review the application.
Need help choosing a bi-fold gate for your machine guarding system, robotic cell, production equipment, or industrial access area? Contact ARK Automation to discuss your required opening, available clearance, guarding layout, panel options, and related machine safety requirements. You can also upload related files, drawings, layouts, or product lists using the form below.
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