Maintenance, Servicing, Design & Tech Specifications

Home Fencing & Gates Design Options, Specifications & Maintenance Services

Star Metal has proven track record of delivering significant and often complex architectural metalwork packages to schedule and to a high standard.

To ensure the ongoing durability and reliability of your gates, it makes sense to set up a maintenance plan for your Automated Gate at the time of installation. This ensures they operate correctly and safely as well as protecting your investment. 

Regular maintenance, as directed by the manufacturer, ensures the gate system is operating smoothly. This will ensure ongoing warranty protection where applicable as well as helping prevent breakdowns, which can be inconvenient and costly. The recommended maintenance schedule will vary depending on gate usage and type of automation system selected.  Star Metal can work with you to tailor a schedule to suit your requirements.

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT?

An automated gate system can last 20 years or more if well maintained. As with any machinery, regular servicing is required to keep the gates and motors in the best condition. Not only is servicing important for the longevity of your installation, but there are also several other important reasons for regular maintenance.

  • Safety

One of the main reasons to regularly maintain your gate is safety. When your gate is serviced by one of our gate engineers, a test of the gates’ safety features is undertaken to ensure it is working correctly. This includes testing the obstacle detection systems and safety devices. They will also perform checks on the electrical elements to ensure any potential electrical hazards are identified and fixed.

  • Avoid costly future repairs and breakdown call outs

Electric gates are made with moving parts which, just like your car, need attention from time to time to keep them running efficiently and reliably. Having your electric gate serviced will allow an engineer to assess any damage or wear and tear before it becomes an issue. Parts and emergency call outs can be expensive, so it is best to catch problems before they occur.

In addition to checking any moving parts, batteries need replacing in items such as safety edge transmitters and wireless photocells. If batteries fail in either of these, the gate will not work and a breakdown callout to resolve the problem will be required.  This can be a costly and preventable exercise.

  • Get the longest lifespan from your equipment

While the motor function is the main point of check for a gate engineer, it is also essential to maintain the gate itself. Your gates must be running freely, with the hinges greased regularly. If the hinges do not run freely then the electric gate motors will have to work harder to operate the gates and inevitably, wear out faster.

Iron and wooden gates are also susceptible to the elements, so regular inspections and applications of protective outer layers, at some point, are required.

All manual and automated gates consist of a frame with infill panels. There are infinite options to choose from, all of which can be broken into four different framing styles and three infill styles.

GATE FRAMING STYLES

  • Powder-coated aluminium frame (choose from an extensive range of colours)
  • Wet sprayed mild steel frame (choose from an extensive range of colours)
  • Hot dipped galvanised mild steel frame
  • Polished stainless steel frame

All manual and automated gates consist of a frame with infill panels. There are 4 different framing options to choose from (refer to framing options section) as well as 3 different infill options to choose from as follows;

  • Perforated infill

A perforated infill option uses custom perforated aluminium infill panels.

A wide variety of patterns are available, Star Metal can help create a design to match the architectural look and feel of the property. Colour options can be chosen from the Dulux powder coating range.  See our Perforations and facades page for inspiration.

  • Timber

A timber infill option includes vertical or horizontal timber battens with a variety of wood options to choose from, including;

  • Jarrah
  • New Guinea Teak
  • Rosewood
  • Marri
  • Merbau
  • Iron Ash
  • Recycled Timber

 

  • Vertical steel infill

A variety of different profiles are available for a vertical steel or aluminium infill option. These are fully welded into framing and custom designed and manufactured in our warehouse.

SECURITY ACCESS CONTROL OPTIONS

Star Metal have a wide range of security access options to provide approved users easy access to the property. The control panels are mounted on the gates at a convenient height, giving easy access to car and truck drivers. Pedestrian access solutions are also available, including;

  • Key card access
  • Push button access
  • Proximity sensors
  • Door handle/hardware levels
  • Mortice locks to slide bolt (variety of brand options available)

 

Hinges

  • Self-closing
  • Soft-closing hinges
  • Heavy duty hinges
  • Variety of weighted hinge options

 

Inbuilt letterbox

Star Metal have a variety of modern stainless steel inbuilt letterboxes available to match your fencing choice and suit the total aesthetic design of your fence. We work with architectural designers to ensure both functionality and attractive design to bring elegance and style to front entrance of your property.

SLIDING GATE MOTORS

Star Metal recommend the following gate motors for use in our Automatic Sliding Gate range.

ARES ULTRA BT A1000 – Operator 24V for sliding gates up to 1000kg in weight. Leaf speed 9 m/min. U-Link and magnetic limit switch

  • ARES ULTRA BT A1500 – Operator 24V for sliding gates up to 1500kg in weight. Leaf speed 9 m/min. U-Link and magnetic limit switch5
  • ARES ULTRA BT A gate motors have removable terminal boards, simplified programming with scenario display, integrated two-channel receiver, D-Track based anti-squashing system and slowdown during opening or closing.

SWING GATE MOTORS

Star Metal recommend the following gate motors for use in our Automatic Swing Gate range.

  • GUINO ULTRA BT A20 – Hydraulic operator with 24 V for hinged wings up to 2 m. 300 kg in weight and use very intensive. Manoeuvre time 14s. Selectable locking Magnetic limit switches.
  • GUINO ULTRA BT A50 – Hydraulic operator with 24 V for hinged wings up to 5 m. 800 kg in weight and use very intensive. Manoeuvre time 20s. Selectable locking Magnetic limit switches.

GUINO ULTRA BT

gate motors have removable terminal boards with new standard colour-coding, simplified scenario-based programming with display and incorporated dual channel receiver, D-Track based anti-crushing system, slowdown during opening and closing and electronic self-learning.

PIVOT GATE MOTOR

Star Metal recommend the following gate motor for use in our Automatic Pivot Gates.

SUB DX – In-ground 230 V hydraulic operator Triangle key for hinged leaves up to 1.8 m. Manoeuvre time 24 s. Right operator, very intensive use.

SUB SX – In-ground 230 V hydraulic operator Triangle key for hinged leaves up to 1.8 m. Manoeuvre time 24 s. Left operator, very intensive use.

SUB R DX – In-ground 230 V irreversible hydraulic operator for swing gates up to 1.8 m with slowdown. Manoeuvre time 14+slowdown. Right operator. Slowdown

SUB R SX In-ground 230 V irreversible hydraulic operator for swing gates up to 1.8 m with slowdown. Manoeuvre time 14+slowdown. Left operator. Slowdown

SUB E DX – In-ground 230 V hydraulic operator Non reversing for hinged leaves up to 2.5 m. Manoeuvre time 24s. Right operator, very intensive use.

SUB E SX – In-ground 230 V hydraulic operator Non reversing for hinged leaves up to 2.5 m. Manoeuvre time 24s. Right operator, very intensive use.

SUB ER DX – In-ground 230 V irreversible hydraulic operator for swing gates up to 2.5 m with slowdown. Manoeuvre time 14+slowdown. Right operator. Slowdown

SUB ER SX – In-ground 230 V irreversible hydraulic operator for swing gates up to 2.5 m with slowdown. Manoeuvre time 14+slowdown. Left operator. Slowdown

SUB EL DX – In-ground 230 V hydraulic operator Reversible for hinged leaves up to 3.5m. Manoeuvre time 33s. Right operator, very intensive use

SUB EL SX – In-ground 230 V hydraulic operator Reversible for hinged leaves up to 3.5m. Manoeuvre time 33s. Right operator, very intensive use.

SUB G DX – In-ground 230 V hydraulic operator Triangle key for hinged leaves up to 1.8m. Manoeuvre time 33s. Right operator, very intensive use.

SUB G SX – In-ground 230V hydraulic operator Triangle key for hinged leaves up to 1.8m. Manoeuvre time 33s. Right operator, very intensive use.

Polishing of any type improves the texture, appearance and consistency of stainless steel.

Powder-coated

Colour choices are available for any powder-coated products. Colours can be chosen from the Dulux and Interpon ranges.

Super Durable Polyester Thermosetting Powder Coating to comply with Australian Standard AS 3715, AAMA 2603 and AAMA 2604   

Guaranteed performance on appropriately pre-treated aluminium and steel with excellent colour retention, super durable finish and on-trend anodised flat finish.

Stainless steel finishes

  • Mirror polish (#8)
  • Satin finish (#4)
  • Mill finish
  • Electropolished

 

Mirror polish

Polishing of any type improves the texture, appearance and consistency of stainless steel. In the case of mirror polish, it creates a surface with a brilliant shine.

The metal is pre-ground to remove defects and then bright buffed to bring out a smooth reflective finish that shines even with the least bit of light.

The benefit of the mirror finish is that it also improves corrosion resistance. Further, mirror finish eliminates crevices, where corrosive particles deposit themselves.

Satin polish

A satin finish lacks the brilliant sheen of a mirror polish. The shine has been removed, but unlike a brushed polish, there are no visible brush strokes visible in the metal.

Mill finish

A mill finish is a semi dull/semi reflective finish. It resembles a hazy mirror, with some reflection and is ideal for heavy traffic surfaces.

Electropolished

Electropolishing removes a microscopically precise layer of surface material, to tolerances as low as +/-.0001”, depending on the alloy.

Electropolishing is a one-stop process for a micro-smooth, ultraclean, corrosion and pathogen-resistant surface finish – with 30 times more corrosion resistance than passivation

Electropolishing also eliminates the need for additional metal finishing processes like hand deburring, tumbling, pickling and cleaning.

Galvanized

Hot dip galvanizing is the process of immersing clean steel into molten zinc to obtain a coating that is metallurgically bonded to it. The process provides long term corrosion protection for steel and iron products.

Constructed as per requirements to meet Australian Standards.

Powder-coated

Powder manufacturers provide the following instructions to lengthen the lifespan and durability of powder-coated products.

Carefully remove any loose surface deposits with a wet sponge. Use a soft brush (non-abrasive) and a dilute solution of a mild detergent, e.g., pH-neutral liquid hand dishwashing detergent in warm water (DO NOT use solvents) to remove dust, salt, and other deposits. Rinse surfaces with clean water after cleaning to remove residue.

Stainless Steel

Use a non-abrasive cloth with warm water for general cleaning. For removing fingerprints, use any glass cleaning products. Towel dry after cleaning to prevent water spotting. Ensuring it is Chloride free, Stainless steel cleaner is acceptable.

Galvanized

Use a non-abrasive cloth with ordinary laundry soap for general cleaning. Rinse the area with fresh water and simply wipe clean with a soft cloth.

For more stubborn or larger areas, the use of a low-pressure wash (such as a gurney gun), with pure water or in conjunction with cleaning materials such as car wash or truck wash. The car and truck cleaners are made to minimise corrosion on the metallic parts of vehicles so are generally suitable for use on galvanized steel although it is important that the steel be washed down with freshwater after cleaning.

If your galvanised steel is in a highly corrosive environment eg. coastal, heavy industrial, etc it is recommended it is rinsed with potable water on a regular basis, particularly under sheltered conditions (i.e. not exposed to rain and sun). 

Metallurgical testing is carried out on our materials to ensure quality.

All products comply with all relevant Australian Standards, statutory WHS Codes of Practice/Guidelines and Building Codes of Australia requirements, where applicable.

Each of our products are tested to comply with NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia) certification.

Star Metal stands by the products we manufacture and install.

We provide a standard 5-year warranty on manufacture and installation from date of practical completion.

Did you know that we also provide end-to-end delivery of a wide range of industrial metalwork projects?

Our expertise includes electrical switchboard cabinets, playground equipment components, a diverse architectural metalwork scope within commercial construction, sophisticated perforating capability, and general custom metalwork.

Star Metal has the depth of project experience on diverse projects with which to help you:

Identify the areas of cost reduction within your project.

Provide pre-fabrication advice to save time and materials…. because we know what works.

Provide advice on design & enable virtual walkthrough of 3D model prior to manufacture.

Have a enquiry or need a unique solution? Let us help you.

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