Curved sliding doors have become a proven automatic access solution in environments where efficiency and thermal control are determining factors. Unlike standard sliding doors, their panels move along an arc, making it possible to reduce the required opening width by up to 40% while maintaining the same flow of people. For these systems to operate precisely, electromagnets and electromagnetic actuators are essential components.
What Are Curved Sliding Doors?
A curved sliding door is an automatic door closing system in which the panels move along a curved path instead of a straight line. This design allows the door leaf to integrate into the entrance lining itself, making it practically invisible when open and eliminating the need for lateral parking space.
From a technical perspective, this type of door requires a curved guiding system, low-noise motors and, above all, an electromagnetic locking and holding mechanism capable of keeping the leaf firmly in place when closed or releasing it quickly when triggered by the control system.
How Do Locking Systems Work in Curved Automatic Doors?
The mechanism of a curved sliding door integrates several subsystems that must coordinate precisely: motor drive, presence detection system, and electromagnetic locking. The latter is responsible for ensuring the door remains locked when it should not open and releases immediately in response to an authorized signal or emergency.
The electromagnets used in these installations operate in two main ways. Fail-safe systems release the door in the event of a power failure, making them mandatory for evacuation routes. Fail-secure systems maintain locking even without power, making them suitable for restricted access points where intrusion security is a priority.
In addition, electromagnets for curved sliding doors must meet additional requirements compared to linear doors: the holding force must be applied precisely to a contact surface that varies with the panel curvature, and the response time must remain consistent with the door leaf movement speed.
Advantages of Curved Sliding Doors Compared to Standard Automatic Doors
-
Building Energy Efficiency
The curved design significantly reduces thermal losses during opening. By opening at a smaller angle and with less exposure time to the outside, curved sliding doors help maintain indoor temperature, which is especially relevant in hospitals, hotels, and energy-certified buildings.
-
Entrance Space Optimization
Curved sliding doors make it possible to reduce the opening width by up to 40% compared to a linear sliding door with equivalent performance. This is particularly important in existing building renovations, where opening width is a limiting factor, or in environments where passage space must coexist with elements such as turnstiles, masonry, or signage.
-
Architectural Integration
The curved panel trajectory allows the door to be embedded into the side lining of the entrance, delivering a visually clean result without protruding elements. This factor is especially valuable in hotel, airport, and corporate building projects where entrance aesthetics are part of the space’s identity.
-
People Flow
Curved sliding doors maintain greater clear passage during partial opening than telescopic or swing doors, supporting continuous movement in high-traffic environments without creating bottlenecks.
Where Can We Find This Type of Sliding Door?
-
Hotels and Hospitality Establishments
At hotel entrances, curved sliding doors provide wide, quiet access that enhances the guest experience from the very first moment. Integrated electromagnetic locking systems ensure the door remains secured outside operating hours or when required by the control system, without becoming an obstacle during evacuation.
-
Airports and Transport Terminals
In terminals with high passenger traffic and constant opening cycles, electromagnets must withstand tens of thousands of cycles without functional degradation. Fail-safe systems are mandatory in evacuation areas, and integration with terminal access control systems is a standard requirement.
-
Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
In hospital environments, curved sliding doors allow stretchers and wheelchairs to pass without reducing the available net opening. Electromagnetic locking systems must be designed for immediate opening in the event of a fire alarm and to operate under controlled temperature and humidity conditions.
-
Corporate Buildings and Shopping Centers
At the main entrances of office buildings and shopping centers, electromagnetic locking integrates with access control systems, building management systems (BMS), and alarms, enabling real-time door status monitoring and differentiated zone access management.
What Type of Electromagnet Is Used in a Curved Sliding Door?
Locking systems for curved sliding doors mainly use linear electromagnets, electromagnetic door holders, or linear electromagnetic bolts. The choice depends on the level of security required: Nafsa’s linear electromagnets are ideal for instantly releasing the locking mechanism, as their response speed allows the door to open without delay. Meanwhile, the VEM Series electromagnetic door holders are suitable for fail-safe installations, while the VM/ND Series model or the CU20/CP safety lock are used in applications where the door must remain locked even without electrical power.
Curved sliding doors offer technical and architectural advantages that justify their use in demanding environments: reduced opening space, improved building energy efficiency, and seamless visual integration into the entrance. For these systems to operate safely and reliably, the electromagnetic locking system is a critical component that must be selected according to clear technical criteria.
NAFSA has extensive experience in the design and manufacture of electromagnets for door automation systems, offering both standard solutions and custom developments tailored to the specific requirements of each project. If you are working on a curved automatic door installation and need technical advice regarding the locking system, you can contact our team to analyze your project requirements.