Compression Latches

FDB SNAPLINE compression latch with roller cam actionWe like to think that our Snap-Line® compression latch is a significant advance in compression lock technology. Combining as it does quick snap-in design and planetary roller cam motion which enables soft compression of door gaskets from 10mm to 20mm, this half-turn IP65 latch is expected to find favour with designers, manufacturers and installers of vibration prone control equipment. This is expected to include construction machinery, process plant, motor vehicles, railway rolling stock, HVAC installations, much manufacturing equipment and materials handling machines where electrical or electronic enclosures are needed.

The elegant low profile latch utililises D·SNAP® technology for push-in IP65 assembly, either RH or LH as a complete pre-assembled unit without tools and with perfect alignment. Additionally, the unusual roller cam, combined with a powerful planetary action, ensures a firm gasket pull down with low operator effort. Panel gauges from 0.8mm to 3.5mm can be accommodated with industry standard square and double bit inserts offered as standard.

See our video page for more on the SNAPLINE system

 

Low profile 1-067 compression lock from FDB Panel Fittings
Our new 1-067 compression latch comes in a sleek low profile design (4.5mm protrusion) with 7mm compression and locked/unlocked visual indicator – and is thus especially well-suited to applications that require quick and secure locking in high vibration environments, such as vehicles or machine tools.

The 1-067 is configured to offer a direct replacement for other quarter-turn locks as an upgrade or replacement, where it features rugged 5mm cams, a variable depth adjustment and a choice of six common industry inserts. Construction is in zinc die with black powder coat finish.

Contact us for more information.

Key-operated compression locks from FDB Panel FittingsOur new key-operated compression lock series offers the unusual format of key operation in a compression latch, thus providing added security of a key lock over the conventional tool compatible insert. We expect applications to include vehicles, genset packs, railway rolling stock etc.

This new lock design, intended for use with gasketed doors provides 6mm of compression to make a firm seal. It is water-resistant, fully adjustable and is mounted within an industry-standard rounded square hole – a straight latch cam is standard, with a full range of other cams available.

The latch features very positive engagement, being both water-resistant and adjustable. The key brings the latch bar into its ‘closed’ position, then draws up the bar by 6mm against the seal. This is achieved as the key turns clockwise through 90 degrees to operate the latch, then through a further quarter-turn to compress against the door edge or striker. The latch bar depth is adjustable through 11mm and the unit is installed via an industry-standard 4-sided aperture with brass nut and stainless spring washer on a threaded body with neoprene gasket. The latch bar is secured by nut and locknut on a threaded spigot enabling 1mm of depth adjustment. ‘FT’ keys are supplied with shuttered keyway for added protection as standard. The lock body is chromium-plated as standard or optionally black powder-coated. A variety of alternative latch bars are available as are special key numbers.

Hinging and locking products from FDB Panel Fittings for railed vehiclesWe know that customers within the Railed Vehicle Industry have special requirements for hinging and locking products, such as specific industry-standard inserts for locks including durability and the ability to withstand substantial vibration in adverse environments, plus vandal-resistance, are absolute “must haves” – consequently we are delighted to introduce this new range designed to meet these special requirements.

As Terry Cantle explains: “Specific rail related items such as 12.650TR and 12-620TR screw-on hinges match with the 12-215TR compression latch and the 12-050TR quarter-turn lock with slotted insert. They are further complemented by the many handles, gasket profiles and other hardware derived from our transportation related range of panel fittings.”

Naturally these Transportation products are supported by the many SNAP-LINE products for tool-less assembly.

FDB one stop shop for Panel ComponentsWe are pleased to announce that we have far exceeded a 3000 plus inventory of specialist industrial access hardware for electrical enclosures, cabinets, electronic racks, control panels, HVAC equipment, lockers/furniture, amusement machines, retail displays, telephone and vehicle security.

Our Panel Fittings range now features locks of many types from quarter-turn through compression locks/latches and combination to pin tumbler, padlocks and rod locks. Standard handle types are catered for, including grab handles, T, L, swinghandles and winghandles. Many items are available in stainless steel 303, 304 or 316, making them suitable for use in chemical, food processing or marine situations where corrosion resistance, coupled to rugged performance are critical factors.

We have been leading specialists in the panel hardware arena for over 30 years and pride ourselves on providing “The Full Package”. As Terry Cantle explained: “We work hard to ensure that we provide real added value – not only with our product, but also by consulting closely with customers in order to provide a proven and reliable single source. We not only ensure specifications are met, but also that costs are minimised.”

Alongside locks and handles the natural complement is a standard range of hinges which in this case provides a huge selection of internal, external, lift-off, piano, weld-on, bolt-on and clip-in types – again with stainless steel variants if required. The innovative D-SNAP technology for tool-less panel joining and hardware fitment parallels traditional technologies with the added potential to save costs and time.

So, whether a project calls for toggle latches, busbars, combination or change locks, neoprene seals, gas struts or eye bolts, we continue to expand our portfolio and service support – a good example of which is the popular Rocfast assembly and packaging service.

FDB compression latchesOur ‘slimline’ compression latches are ideal for a wide range of applications including vehicle conversions, flight cases, enclosures and cabinets.

Manufactured in robust diecast construction and with an adjustable grip range, these low-cost latches are available in locking and non-locking versions to suit the installation

We also offer a range of double-action, quarter turn compression latches to provide positive compression of the door seal in order to prevent ingress of moisture. These are available with a choice of keys or handles.

Our roller action Snap-Line® compression latch is believed to be a significant advance in compression lock technology. Combining as it does quick snap-in design and planetary roller cam motion which enables soft compression of door gaskets from 10mm to 20mm, this new half-turn IP65 latch is expected to find favour with designers, manufacturers and installers of vibration prone control equipment. This is likely to include construction machinery, process plant, motor vehicles, railway rolling stock, HVAC installations, much manufacturing equipment and materials handling machines where electrical or electronic enclosures are needed.

IP65 Planetary compression latchThe elegant low profile latch utililises D·SNAP® technology for push-in IP65 assembly, either RH or LH as a complete pre-assembled unit without tools and with perfect alignment. Additionally, the unusual roller cam, combined with a powerful planetary action, ensures a firm gasket pull down with low operator effort. Panel gauges from 0.8mm to 3.5mm can be accommodated with industry standard square and double bit inserts offered as standard.

Please contact us for further information on this new product.

Our recently introduced  IP65 1071 compression latch is especially compact – offering an unusually low profile of only 22mm in its open condition and yet providing 3mm of compression, thus enabling the benefits of compression lock technology to be achieved in situations where space is at a premium – such as vehicle applications or where an interior panel or other equipment requires clearance from the lock cam – yet another example of our philosophy following the theme  ”Panel Fittings for Every Enclosure”.
1071 IP65 compression latch
The 1071 provides IP65 sealing and vibration proof operation in LH or RH orientation with quiet and secure fastening. Operation is by a ¼ turn which will latch the cam in position, followed by a further ¼ turn which completes the 3mm compression cycle. The pre-assembled 1071, together with rigid H section cam, may be quickly and toolessly installed in doors of up to 2mm thickness.

Please contact us for details of prices and delivery on the IP65 1071 latch.

As market-leading panel fittings specialists we have taken a particular focus on an IP65 range of products for the tunnel/traffic control environment, where safety and reliability are of course paramount and primarily involves the use of high quality stainless steel ¼ turn locks, swinghandles and hinges with matching grade gaskets.
Tunel safety panel hardware
In contrast to other types of systems, tunnel safety systems must meet much more demanding reliability and safety requirements. Enabling people to rescue themselves in tunnel emergencies has highest priority, which is why new regulations mandate that escape routes and emergency facilities be placed closer together. It must be ensured that every emergency system always functions properly even after many years of service. 

Environmental influences such as dust, acids and high wind pressures from passing vehicles place high demands on the hinges and latching systems of emergency facilities. Traffic control technology has been moving increasingly toward high-tech systems designed specifically to optimize the flow of traffic. The latches used in such systems must reliably withstand environmental influences even after years of service.

The fittings in the FDB tunnel safety series are specified to guarantee resistance to corrosion and security against unauthorized access and are made of exceptionally high quality materials, primarily AISI 316, 316F and 316Ti with sealing performance of IP65 and IP66. When maintenance must be performed, they ensure that personnel can quickly access the system without being hampered by corroded parts.

For a free consultation on application of the tunnel safety series and related panel hardware please contact us.

IP65 compression locks like the our 1-077 are becoming ever more popular for applications requiring quick and reliable door closure without rattling, even when subjected to significant vibration. It is therefore ideal for vehicle on-board cabinets, panels, compartment doors, as well as gen-set packs, HVAC equipment or similar. Compression technology in this style is ideal for soft clamping and positive gasket pull-down to ensure positive sealing, especially on larger doors.
1-077 compression lock

 The 1-077 features IP65 sealing capability and a compression stroke of 6.5mm with fully closed dimensions of 22, 24, 28 or 38mm, dependant upon specification. A particular feature is its colour indicator for open/closed on the latch head, which provides instant recognition of the lock position. Door thicknesses of from 0.8mm to 22mm may be accommodated with LH or RH configurations as required.