Key Takeaways
- Reduces initial door opening resistance by 40% (down to 14N).
- Engineered to safely handle heavy glass doors up to 80kg.
- Operates silently (<30dB) with zero mechanical bounce-back.
- Durability tested for 35,000 cycles (approx. 20 years of use).
The Engineering Challenge
In modern luxury bathroom design, the trend towards ultra-clear, heavy glass (10mm-12mm) has created a physics problem. A single sliding door panel can weigh upwards of 80kg (176 lbs).
Traditional hydraulic dampers face a paradox: to safely stop such heavy moving mass, they require stiff springs and high-viscosity oil damping. However, this creates a significant side effect—excessive initial resistance. Users often feel they have to "fight" the door just to open it, requiring up to 25N of force to overcome the initial "bite" of the damper.
The Friction Paradox: "The safer the damper is at stopping the door, the harder it is to open." MFMK set out to break this rule.
How Micro-Start™ Works
After 18 months of R&D and ANSYS fluid simulation, MFMK engineers developed the Micro-Start™ balance valve structure. This system intelligently differentiates between "opening" and "closing" forces.
Opening: Zero Resistance
When you pull the door open, a micro check valve in the piston head instantly opens. This creates a bypass channel for the hydraulic fluid, allowing it to flow freely with almost zero resistance. The opening force drops from the industry standard 25N to just 14N—a 44% reduction.
Closing: Maximum Protection
When the door closes and impacts the buffer, the valve seals tight instantly. The fluid is forced through precision-engineered micro-holes, generating maximum damping force to gently catch the 80kg door and bring it to a silent, soft stop.
Performance Metrics
Reduced from standard 25N, creating a "levitation-like" feel.
Silent operation comparable to a quiet library whisper.
Cycles tested without failure (approx. 20 years of daily use).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main benefit of Micro-Start™ technology?
The primary benefit is the significant reduction in opening resistance. Traditional soft-close dampers can be hard to pull open (up to 25N force). Micro-Start™ reduces this to just 14N, making heavy glass doors feel incredibly light and effortless to operate.
How does it handle heavy glass doors?
Micro-Start™ is specifically engineered for modern, heavy frameless glass. It uses a high-performance hydraulic system capable of safely damping doors weighing up to 80kg (176 lbs) without bouncing back or slamming.
Is the mechanism noisy?
No, it is virtually silent. The internal fluid dynamics are optimized to eliminate cavitation and mechanical clicking, resulting in an operation noise level of less than 30dB—quieter than a whisper.
How long will the buffer system last?
We have tested Micro-Start™ units for over 35,000 cycles without failure. For a typical family usage of 4-5 times per day, this translates to approximately 20 years of reliable service.
Need Technical Specifications?
Download our full engineering catalog or request a factory quote for your project.