One of the key elements that provide the functionality of modern furniture sets is the hardware, presented in the form of sliding mechanisms for drawers. These complicated designs provide smooth movement within the dimensions, allowing the drawers to open or close. The most common systems that allow retractable elements to move easily use ball or roller mechanisms. The guides of these systems are executed in various modifications having various dimensions and design features.
Roller guides
They are most popular with manufacturers of cabinet furniture because of the simplicity of design, easy to install. The minimum length of the guides is 250 millimeters, and the maximum is of the order of 800. They have the ability to hold a dynamic load with a carrying surface weight of 25 kilograms.
However, the operation of the roller guides is accompanied by a characteristic hum when moving the movable component. Also, they do not allow the drawers attached to them to push forward to the end. In addition, they require high position accuracy from the installer. Otherwise, the mechanism quickly becomes unusable due to the development of constituent elements. But the cost of roller retractable mechanisms for kitchens is not very large, which makes them an affordable product.
The service life of these guides largely depends on the thickness of the metal from which they are created. The higher this indicator, the more durable the structure can withstand. For guides of this group, the thickness of 1 millimeter is considered to be optimal. Such designs are often used in various models of wardrobes. There they provide the movement of not only boxes, but also shelves. They can also serve as sliding mechanisms for tables.
Ball guides
Ball guides are otherwise called telescopic. It is worth noting that they have a large number of modifications having various sizes. Thus, the minimum length of such a guide is 300 millimeters, and its maximum length reaches 700 mm. Also, these guides are distinguished by the height of the mechanism. As a rule, they are made with a height of 27, 30, as well as 45 millimeters. In addition, the design of the mechanism of such guides can allow the drawers to push forward to failure, and in some cases it is equipped with a self-propelled element or a closer.
Ball mechanisms are intended for movement of a bearing structure, not exceeding 35 kilograms in terms of its mass. They have a smooth ride and work quite quietly. Some models allow moving elements to push forward to failure. However, these mechanisms noticeably lose in price to roller guides. Most often they are used in furniture sets, assembled to order (for example, as kitchen retractable mechanisms for stylish kitchen sets).
Metal boxes
Metal boxes have found their application in the manufacture of office furniture. It is interesting to note that with the same success they are used to create kitchen sets. They are based on a roller mechanism, but they are distinguished from roller guides by a characteristic feature. In this case, the equipment consists of supports similar to roller guides. There are also two side parts of the bearing element made of metal.
This creates certain conveniences in the manufacture of boxes for such mechanisms, because for them it remains only to make the front and back walls. An additional advantage of metal boxes can be considered the presence of an adjustable mount designed for installation of the facade. Such an upgrade allows you to make corrective manipulations when setting up the work of a group of movable elements.
The height of the racks of metal boxes can be divided into two groups. It is advisable to attribute racks 54 and 86 millimeters high to the first of them, and racks 118 and 150 millimeters high to the second. If necessary, you can increase the height of the boxes using special expanders, which are called rails. There are four sizes of metal boxes: 350, 400, 450 and 500 millimeters. Such guides, like roller guides, do not have the ability to release the bearing element to failure. In addition, they have restrictions on the weight of the bearing structure. Its maximum weight can be 20, and in some cases 25 kilograms.
Modern boxes
This is a novelty, which is a sliding mechanism in the form of integrated systems. This model is very easy to assemble and does not require any work. Designs differ in stylish design and unpretentious simplicity in terms of execution. They ergonomically fit into the design of kitchen or office interiors, a little less often they are used in bedrooms. These devices are a logical continuation of metal boxes.
They are able to withstand dynamic loads weighing up to 40 kilograms. The retractable mechanisms are equipped with an advanced closer model, which allows the movable element to open fully and close very smoothly without making any accompanying sounds. Three different height options were adapted for various models: 84, 135 and 199 millimeters. In length, they also have three sizes: 400, 450 and 500 millimeters.
Tandem boxes
Such designs contain hidden guides at the base. They are able to provide stable smoothness of movement even for heavy moving components, the weight of which can reach 65 kilograms. The design features of the tandem boxes allow you to remove them from the runners without additional extraction of limiters. In addition to a smooth ride, these retractable mechanisms allow the carried elements to advance to failure.
Also, closers and reaction devices can be included in the equipment of these structures, which allow moving elements to move out after pressing the front panel with your hand. The height of the tandem boxes provides three options: 83, 140 and 204 mm. Also to increase the height of the box can be used rails. The length of the mechanisms has only one value, which is 450 millimeters.
Extendable bed lift
Such a mechanism is designed to create additional conveniences while using functional additions to the bed. In order to extend the movable element of this design, there is no need to bend or sit down. The reclining surface allows you to find the necessary item without much effort.
The compactness of such a model allows its use even in tight spaces without restricting access to internal storage. In this case, the capacity of the box under the mattress allows you to store a decent supply of bedding.
Sliding sofa
This design will be an excellent choice for people who prefer to use multifunctional furniture models. They are able not only to maximize the use of the useful area of the premises, but also provide other comfortable services to their owners. The design features of such sofas include a transformation mode that allows you to create a full-sized berth from a comfortable seat. These products find their application both in living rooms and in children's rooms.
Conclusion
Nowadays it is already difficult to imagine the modest possibilities that furniture from the recent past possessed. Thanks to modern retractable mechanisms, all the moving components of furniture sets require the ability to easily open, even with the slightest effort, and without crashing. But technological progress keeps moving on. Today, manufacturers of furniture fittings are able to offer devices that open independently by touching the front cover. They provide the most comfortable conditions.