Motors for ZIP screens: what fabricators and installers need to know
Sizes, specs, compatibility, and setup for motorized ZIP screens
The short answer
A good ZIP screen motor matches the screen's size and weight, fits existing hardware, keeps the fabric running accurately as it stretches, and sets up quickly without opening the cassette. Motionblinds screen motors come in 35mm and 45mm, battery/solar and wired, with adapters for leading hardware systems, fabric stretch compensation, and setup in about a minute in the Motionblinds app.
At a glance
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Motionblinds screen motors are built for outdoor ZIP screens, in two sizes: 35mm for small screens and 45mm for large.
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Every motor is available in battery/solar and wired versions, in 230V and 120V for the Americas.
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Setup runs in the Motionblinds app over Bluetooth, with no end limits to set in production and no need to open the cassette.
What you need to know
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The 35mm screen motor delivers 13Nm at 11rpm (battery) or 10Nm at 17rpm (wired).
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The 45mm screen motor delivers 20Nm at 14rpm (battery) or 20Nm at 15rpm (wired).
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A drive plug adapter and starhead adapters for 35mm and 45mm fit leading hardware systems, so fabricators do not need to change production.
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Fabric stretch compensation automatically recalibrates the end limits as the ZIP fabric stretches over time.
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Screen motors stop automatically when the screen meets an obstacle. Safety mode can be locked and unlocked in the app.
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Remotes are optional and pair through the app, with no need to open the cassette.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for fabricators building motorized ZIP screens, installers fitting them, and dealers specifying them. It also helps homeowners understand what to ask for.
You will learn what a ZIP screen needs from a motor, how to choose between motor sizes and power options, and how Motionblinds screen motors fit into production and installation.
Why ZIP screens deserve their own motor choice
A ZIP screen guides the fabric edges in side channels, keeping the fabric taut and in place. That design gives ZIP screens their clean look and makes them popular for facades, windows, and terraces.
It also makes motor choice more particular. The motor must match the size and weight of the screen, keep the fabric's end positions accurate over years of use, and sit inside a closed cassette where access after installation should not be needed.
For fabricators, compatibility matters just as much. A motor that requires new drives or crowns adds cost to every order.
What to evaluate in a ZIP screen motor
Size and torque come first. Match the motor to the screen's width, drop, and fabric weight.
Compatibility comes second. The motor should fit the drives and crowns already in production.
Accuracy over time comes third. Fabric stretches with use, and end limits that drift lead to uneven closing and service calls.
Installation comes fourth. In a closed cassette, setup and remote pairing should not require opening the system.
Power is the final consideration. Battery/solar suits retrofits without cabling. Wired suits new builds and contract projects.
How Motionblinds screen motors meet ZIP screen requirements
Two sizes, matched to the screen. The 35mm motor suits small ZIP screens, and the 45mm motor suits large ones, with 10 to 20Nm of torque across the range.
Compatibility built in. A drive plug adapter and starhead adapters for 35mm and 45mm motors fit leading hardware systems, so fabricators can switch to Motionblinds without changing production.
Accurate for years. Fabric stretch compensation automatically recalibrates the end limits as the fabric stretches, so the screen keeps closing fully and evenly.
Safe in automatic operation. Screen motors stop automatically when the screen meets an obstacle, and obstacle detection is a setting in the app. Safety mode can be locked and unlocked in the app.
No need to open the cassette. Setup, end positions, and remote pairing all run through the Motionblinds app over Bluetooth.
Power options for ZIP screens
Battery/solar motors have the battery built into the motor, with no external pack to mount. An IP55 solar panel keeps the battery charged by daylight, and a Y-cable connects two panels where more charging is needed. A 12V charger lets fabricators deliver motors fully charged.
Wired motors run on 230V, with a 120V version for the Americas. The 35mm wired motor uses 3 wires, and the 45mm wired motor uses 5 wires.
Setup and installation
Setup takes about a minute per screen. In the Motionblinds app, scan the setup QR code, set the bottom position, and the top position is detected automatically. Direction of rotation and a favorite position can be set in the same guided setup.
There are no end limits to set in production, which saves time on every order. Installers do not need to open the cassette, pair a remote, or have the homeowner present. Remotes remain optional and pair through the app.
Once installed, ZIP screens can run on timers in the Motionblinds app over Bluetooth, the entry-level solution. The Motionblinds Bridge, the connected solution, adds remote access, scenes, and smart home integration with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and SmartThings.
What it means on the job
For fabricators, two motor sizes cover the ZIP screen range, adapters fit existing hardware, and no end limits are set in production. Fewer motor types, greater flexibility.
For installers, the cassette stays closed. Setup, end positions, and remote pairing all happen in the app in about a minute.
For dealers, fabric stretch compensation and obstacle detection mean fewer service calls, and one app for indoor and outdoor means one product story.
Frequently asked questions - Motors for ZIP screens: what fabricators and installers need to know
The right motor matches the screen's size and weight, fits existing hardware, compensates for fabric stretch, and sets up without opening the cassette. Motionblinds screen motors are designed around all four, in 35mm and 45mm sizes.
The 35mm motor suits small ZIP screens and the 45mm motor suits large ones. Torque ranges from 10Nm to 20Nm across the range.
Yes. A drive plug adapter and starhead adapters for 35mm and 45mm motors fit leading hardware systems, so drives and crowns do not need to change.
Motionblinds screen motors use fabric stretch compensation, automatically recalibrating the end limits as the fabric stretches.
No. Setup, end positions, and remote pairing all run through the Motionblinds app over Bluetooth.
No. End limits are set at installation in the app. Set the bottom position, and the top position is detected automatically.
Yes. Battery/solar motors have the battery built in and charge by daylight through an IP55 solar panel. Two panels can be connected with a Y-cable.
Yes. Motionblinds screen motors stop automatically when the screen meets an obstacle.
Yes. The Motionblinds Bridge adds remote access, scenes, and Matter integration with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and SmartThings.
Disclaimer
This article reflects information available at the time of publishing. Product specifications, platform integrations, and third-party features are subject to change. Contact your Motionblinds sales representative for current details.
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