One of the key elements that ensure the functionality of modern furniture sets is fittings, presented in the form of drawer pull-out mechanisms. These intricate designs allow for smooth movement within dimensions, allowing drawers to open or close. The most common systems that allow sliding elements to move easily use ball or roller mechanisms. The guides of these systems are made in different modifications, having different dimensions and design features.
Guides with roller mechanisms
They are the most popular among cabinet furniture manufacturers due to their simple design, easy to install. The minimum length of the guides is 250 millimeters, and the maximum length is about 800. They have the ability to withstand a dynamic load with a carrying surface weight of 25 kilograms.
However, the operation of roller guides is accompanied by a characteristic hum when moving the moving component. Alsothey do not allow the drawers attached to them to extend to the end. In addition, they require high positioning accuracy from the installer. Otherwise, the mechanism quickly becomes unusable due to the development of the constituent elements. But the cost of roller pull-out mechanisms for kitchens is not very high, 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 longer the life of the structure is able to withstand. For guides of this group, it is considered optimal to have a thickness of 1 millimeter. Such designs are often used in various models of wardrobes. There they ensure the movement of not only drawers, but also shelves. They can also serve as pull-out mechanisms for tables.
Ball Guides
Ball guides are otherwise called telescopic. It is worth noting that they have a large number of modifications having different 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, and also 45 millimeters. In addition, the design of the mechanism of such guides can allow the drawers to be pulled out to failure, and in some cases it is equipped with a self-rolling element or a closer.
Ball mechanisms are designed to move a load-bearing structure not exceedingin terms of its mass of 35 kilograms. They run smoothly and are fairly quiet. Some models allow moving elements to extend to failure. However, these mechanisms significantly lose in price to roller guides. Most often they are used in custom-made furniture sets (for example, as kitchen pull-out 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, however, 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 carried 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 to install the front part. Such an upgrade allows you to perform corrective manipulations when adjusting the operation of a group of moving elements.
The height of metal box racks can be divided into two groups. It is advisable to refer to the first of them racks with a height of 54 and 86 millimeters, and to the second - racks with a height of 118 and 150 millimeters. If necessary, you can increase the height of the boxes using special expanders, which are calledrailings. There are four sizes of metal boxes along the length: 350, 400, 450 and 500 millimeters. Such guides, like roller ones, do not have the ability to release the carried element to failure. In addition, they have restrictions on the weight of the carried structure. Its weight limit can be 20, and in some cases - 25 kilograms.
Modern boxes
This is a novelty, which is retractable mechanisms in the form of complex systems. This model is very easy to assemble and does not require any effort during operation. Designs are distinguished by stylish design and unpretentious simplicity in terms of execution. They ergonomically fit into the design of kitchen or office interiors, they are used a little less often in bedrooms. These devices are a logical continuation of metal boxes.
They are able to withstand a dynamic load of up to 40 kilograms. Retractable mechanisms are equipped with an improved closer model, which allows the movable element to open all the way and close very smoothly without making accompanying sounds. Three height options have been adapted for various models: 84, 135 and 199 millimeters. They also have three lengths: 400, 450 and 500 millimeters.
Tandem boxes
Such designs are based on hidden guides. They are able to provide stable smoothness of movement even for heavy moving parts, the weight of which can reach 65 kilograms. Design features of tandem boxes allowremove them from the runners without additional extraction of the limiters. In addition to a smooth ride, these retractable mechanisms allow the carried elements to be extended to failure.
Also, closers and reaction devices can be included in the equipment of these structures, allowing moving elements to leave after pressing the front panel with a hand. The height of the tandem boxes provides for three versions: 83, 140 and 204 mm. Railings can also be used to increase the height of the box. The length of the mechanisms has only one value, which is 450 millimeters.
Retractable bed lifter
This mechanism is designed to create additional convenience while using functional additions to the bed. In order to push the movable element of this design, there is no need to bend down or sit down. The fold-down surface allows you to find the desired item without much effort.
The compactness of this model allows it to be used 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.
Sofa with pull-out mechanism
This design will be an excellent choice for people who prefer to use multifunctional furniture models. They are able not only to use the usable area of the room with maximum benefit, but also provide other comfortableservices to their owners. The design features of such sofas provide for the presence of a transformation mode that allows you to create a full-size sleeping place from a comfortable seat. These products are used both in living rooms and in children's rooms.
Conclusion
Today it is already difficult to imagine the modest possibilities that furniture from the recent past had. Thanks to modern sliding mechanisms, all the moving components of furniture sets assume the ability to open easily, even with the slightest effort, and without a rumble. But technological progress is constantly moving forward. Today, manufacturers of furniture fittings are able to offer devices that open independently from touching the facade lining. They provide the most comfortable conditions.
