Roller shutters are a seemingly simple machine; but look under the surface and things aren’t as straightforward as it seems. Through the years engineers and designers have worked closely to make roller shutters operate as smoothly and effectively as possible, reducing breakdowns whilst increasing the speed, and lifespan of the machine.

Let’s take a look at the components that make up a roller shutter, and what function each performs:

Cheek Plate

The roller holding the curtain in place is supported by two load-bearing cheek plates. They are secured to the structure of the building and take the weight of the shutter.

Flag Post

Cheek plates are welded to a vertical angle or directly to the top of the guide, resembling a flag post. The vertical angle is secured to the building structure for additional support and to aid the installation.

Roller assembly

A full width roller holds the shutter curtain in place, supported at each end by cheek plates. It is constructed of a steel tube with a tubular motor fitted at one end.

Tubular Motor

The motor is fitted to one side of the overhead barrel assembly. The motor head incorporates a manual override eye, the electrical wire feed, and a pair of limit switches to control the maximum travel distance of the shutter curtain. The tubular motor is also fitted with an operational brake to hold the shutter stationary in its upper position.

Safety Brake

This failsafe arrests the descent of the shutter if there is a failure in the motor. The safety brake activates if there is an operational failure, or the shutter descends at an uncontrollable speed, bringing the shutter to a complete halt.

U-Cup or Bearing

If a safety brake is not fitted, then a U-Cup or Bearing are fitted to the cheek plates to support the barrel.

Guides

The vertical guide runners make sure the shutter follows the direct line when it ascends and descends.

Curtain

Generally made of steel or aluminium interlocked sections held together by horizontally-positioned rods.

Bottom Rail

The ‘T’ or ‘L’ shaped bottom rail adds extra rigidity to the curtain when it is down.

Canopy Cover

The canopy cover is an optional extra that wraps around the cheek plates and protects the curtain from weather and dust.

Now you know everything there is to know about roller shutters, Manchester based Sheridan Interiors can help you decide on which roller shutter will be most beneficial for your business.