How sliding security shutters work

Sliding shutters are an effective and flexible way of securing openings. They are versatile and work in a wide variety of applications, including shopping centres, airports, restaurants and service stations.

A FlexiGlide sliding shutter.

Essentially, a sliding security shutter consists of a set of strong aluminium panels that form a curtain. The panels hang from an extruded aluminium top-track and form a floor-to-ceiling barrier when the shutter is closed. Integral locking posts secure the shutter into the floor and ceiling with vertical shoot-bolts. When not in use, the shutter slides horizontally to the side, where it neatly folds away.

Sliding shutter curtain from aluminium panels

The curtain of a FlexiGlide sliding shutter consists of vertically hinged aluminium panels (available in different styles). As the panels can swivel, the whole curtain folds up into a small space when the shutter is not in use. We call this 'stacking the shutter'.

Extruded aluminium top track

Top track of a FlexiGlide sliding shutter.

The top-track from which the curtain hangs is an aluminium extrusion. We can bend this track to follow almost any curve so that the sliding shutter can close off curved openings.

The shutter track screws onto the ceiling structure and can be either recessed or left visible. The curtain hangs from its track through a system of hangers and rollers. This allows the shutter to slide horizontally along the track. When it reaches the end of the track, it concertinas up.

Locking the sliding shutter

FlexiGlide sliding shutters have locking-posts spaced at regular intervals. These posts are available with a variety of locking systems. A typical locking post has a top and bottom shoot bolt mechanism that locks with a key in the centre of the post. The top shoot bolt locks into the top-track and ceiling, while the bottom shoot bolt locks into a socket in the floor or countertop.

FlexiGlide locking posts have a unique self-adjusting locking rod with six different positions of adjustment. This allows for deflections in bulkheads and irregularities in floors. The floor socket has a stainless steel dust cap that protects the spring mechanism underneath.

For more information on sliding shutter parts also see sliding shutter anatomy.

Styles of sliding security shutter
Image Sliding shutter style Characteristics
FlexiGlide Classic Chainlink sliding security shutter FlexiGlide Classic Chainlink Very lightweight sliding shutter, useful on structures with limited support; this gives a great sense of openness.
FlexiGlide Barrier sliding security shutter FlexiGlide Barrier Similar to Classic Chainlink, but with curtain available in several patterns.
FlexiGlide Vision Guard sliding security shutter FlexiGlide Vision Guard Robust, but open sliding shutter system. Excellent airflow and visibility.
FlexiGlide Vision Air sliding security shutter FlexiGlide Vision Air Perforated panels give a very high level of security, while allowing light and air to pass through.
FlexiGlide Vision Glass sliding security shutter FlexiGlide Vision Glass Panels with polycarbonate glazing. This is a very strong sliding shutter with excellent visibility.
FlexiGlide barrier sliding security shutter FlexiGlide Protector Sliding shutter with solid opaque panels - provides a high level of privacy.

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