Snapline

New D-SNAP Technical Guide Book

15/10/2012

The new D-SNAP technology handbook available free illustrates how this innovative fixing and assembly system for the sheet metal and panel building industries can save time and money without using tools for construction of enclosures and mounting of hardware such as handles, hinges etc.

Snap technology provides a unique alternative to traditional fastening methods. It is currently used in the assembly process of industrial enclosures and has the potential for use in many other areas; for example, household appliances, industrial machinery, HVAC equipment, automotive and furniture industries. Fasteners that incorporate snap technology can be manufactured easily, and are very secure and extremely economical. They also offer a high load-bearing ability. Snap technology offers many advantages when compared with traditional fastening techniques. For high-volume production it is possible to incorporate snap technology into products for blind assembly, and then to integrate the products into an automated assembly process using robots.

Because it can be installed as a single piece, the snap fastener offers advantages for the user. The main advantages are time and money savings in the assembly of enclosures and switch cabinets. Additionally, when the need for the costly storage of panel parts is eliminated, the overall manufacturing process speeds up. Also, storage outlay for fasteners used in process is noticeably lower, since the snap fasteners are delivered as pre-assembled components and are immediately ready for installation. Over and above this, the user profits from the superior functionality afforded by a system where no parts can get lost after installation.

Combining snap fasteners with functional components such as locks, hinges, handles etc., – plus the special design of the snap fastener itself creates a much larger range of applications that can go beyond just the joining of panels.

Notes by Terry Cantle – free copies of the D-SNAP technology handbook may be obtained from by contacting us here or by telephone on 020 8568 1616.

Hinging & locking for the Railed Vehicle industry

06/09/2012

We 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.

Our “One Stop for Panel Components”

08/08/2012

We 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.

New SNAP-LINE videos on our Youtube channel

14/03/2012

We thought it was particularly useful for specialist panel builders to see just how quick and simple panel assembly can be with the SNAP-LINE range so have loaded a number of short videos onto our Youtube channel - they are linked from our website and cover installation, uninstall and strength – so please click here if you would like to check them out and see for yourself how you too can save time and money in cabinet and enclosure assembly – with the added benefit of space saving storage of flat pack units.

We also have items on an IP65 compression lock and installation/operation of a recessed padlockable T handle.

FLAT PACK ENCLOSURES WITH SNAP-LINE®

01/03/2012

We have been excited by the possibilities of the SNAP-LINE^® range for use in fabricating flat pack enclosures as illustrated by the videos available on our website and Youtube channel. The D-SNAP technology has been designed for quick easy use and has been applied to a full range of components from panel joiners to hinges and swinghandles so that a complete assembly may be produced for flat transport and simple assembly on site.

We now offer the full range of locks/handles, hinges, compression latches, quarter-turns, swinghandles, joining elements, pull handles and slam latches which are likely to interest specialist enclosure or cabinet builders who are looking for a simple labour saving way to rationalise panel punching and subsequent assembly. The SNAP-LINE^® system features a unique clip-in and tool removal system covering metal thicknesses from 0.8mm up to 2.7mm in convenient steps to suit normal industrial practice with degrees of sealing offered by hinges and locks/handles to achieve up to IP65 where specified.

This unique modular technology requires only rectangular hole punching to suit the relevant component which can then be pushed into place by hand to achieve a firm positive fit. The system can be used to fabricate complete cabinets by means of joining elements which can hold sides to back, panels to frames – other components then complete the assembly with snap-in hinges and door closure/security items and so on. The technology that enables this involves careful use of detail design criteria and spring utilisation to ensure a “locked-in” tight fit once installed and a robust assembly when in use.

An excellent example is the 40mm long cast hinges with 180° capability and sealing capacity to IP65 with RH or LH operation which are particularly applicable where full door opening is required, either for maximum door clearance, e.g. for insertion of equipment – or for access to the rear of the door. They may be used on standalone enclosures/racks or on suited style side-by-side installations with three versions available – with M5 cast in screws, with screws on one leaf and SNAP-LINE® fitting on the other leaf – or with SNAP-LINE® (D-SNAP®) technology on both leaves to enable a simple “blind” push-in fitting that does not require access from the rear – this can provide up to 90% savings in hinge assembly time.

The D-SNAP® range of panel assembly joiners, locks, hinges etc is designed to enable specialist cabinet builders to quickly fabricate housings with flat sheet into a robust structure. These specialist joiner components operate to fasten two or more sheet metal panels together by simply pressing and snapping the joiner into prepared panel cutouts. They are ideal for fastening cabinet components, e.g. removable top or base and for robust firm fixing of panels of similar or varying thickness, e.g. multi-component motor control cabinets.

The 1-044SL is intended for permanent assembly or joining of cabinets side by side whereas the 1-045SL is specifically for situations where one panel may require regular removal, e.g. for maintenance. The 1-046SL also allows one panel to be removed; it is the ideal solution where lighting panels for example have to be removed. The fixed side is fastened with screws enabling the joiner to be used with materials such as wood or for retro-fit installation where hole purchasing is not a possibility.

D-SNAP® joiners will adjust to varying thicknesses of panel and use standard 30x10mm cut-outs enabling rapid assembly after painting. Where removable panels are needed then pull-off forces may be chosen from 15N/30N/50N dependent upon component.

As a finishing touch a low profile SNAP-LINE^® swinghandle is ideal for enclosures and control panels where “no-tools” snap-in fitment and resistance to vibration will be appreciated. Features of this D-SNAP® technology unit include clamping ranges from 0.7mm to 5.3mm, LH and RH application and blind assembly, all in a low cost package which – like the D-SNAP® hinges – can save up to 90% of assembly time compared to other swinghandles. Fitment is by means of a simple 110x25mm cut-out – removal is also accomplished quickly and without tools.

An exceptional hinge range……

26/01/2012

Here at FDB Panel Fittings we offer an unrivalled range of quality hinges for all industrial applications - this includes internal hinges and external hinges – for weld-on or bolt-on fitting – as well as hinges for cabinets, panels and enclosures we now offer an extensive selection of architectural types for applications through from domestic to heavy duty public access doors as well as continuous piano style for applications including small doors up to security doors.
FDB Hinges Available as standard in a wide choice of style, material and finish, we can also provide bespoke solutions to specific requirements. Materials include steel, painted steel, plated steel, zinc-die, re-inforced plastic, brass, stainless steel – we also of course have the SNAPLINE or D-SNAP hinges for fast fitting and cost saving panel assembly.

All hinges are available in production packs delivered to workshop or installation site under our Rocfast brand to ensure time and cost saving logistics.

Big savings from D-SNAP fittings

20/12/2011

Whether you are using D-SNAP components for assembly of a complete cabinet or just for the door furniture, at FDB Panel Fittings we are convinced that the SNAP-LINE range of hinges, locks, handles and panel joiners can provide big time savings for enclosure production, enabling hardware to be installed without the use of tools or mounting hardware such as screws or nuts.

As Terry ( Cantle ) puts it: “This technology offers a completely new way of reducing cost and is an overall time saver for enclosure manufacturers. D-SNAP technology speeds up the entire hardware installation process, allowing manufacturers to save up to 90% of their assembly installation time.”

By using D-SNAP technology the hinges, quarter-turn locks and swinghandles which are integrated into a housing component, are wedged into the cutout, providing a secure vibration proof installation. Without screws there is no concern about loose pieces falling off and damaging sensitive equipment.

This design, with its two spring-loaded sets of wings, offers an installation that is comparable with the strength of conventional products that require hardware and tools for assembly. The hardware may be installed via blind assembly from the front and therefore can even be used for hollow profiles or “sandwich” panels.

An important advantage is that enclosures may be transported safely in a limited space environment without the danger of protruding hardware. Even untrained users can quickly and securely install hardware into an existing cutout without tools.

Electronics packaging hardware makes it quick and easy

13/12/2011

It has come to our attention that assembly of cabinets for electronic equipment can be a significant bottleneck in the production and installation process for specialist panel builders – with consequent downstream effects on productivity. Normally the idea of reducing time might also involve reducing quality in some way, but the solution was found in D-SNAP® and SNAPLINE® technology which offers very high quality outcomes with assembly time reduction in the order of 90%.

This technology offers a way of assembling racks and cabinets, as well as their necessary hardware without the use of tools or other fittings such as screws or nuts. The need was identified to enable side panels, tops, bases and doors to effectively be produced as flat items and then quickly assembled either at the factory or on site. Of particular relevance to 19” systems we have recently launched a novel captive SNAP-Joiner which fits the standard 19″ rack 9.5mm x 9.5mm cutout and is quicker and easier to use than the traditional screw with cup washer and cage nut. The SNAP-Joiner is ideal for quickly installing 19″ front panels of electronic racking and for assembling other panels where rapid/removal is required.

SNAP-Joiner is simply punched into the front panel where it is held by spring clips, this assembly is then mated to the rear panel and the SNAP-Joiner core push fitted to activate spring wedges which accommodate a clamping range of up to 5.2mm in a vibration proof connection. Removal is simplicity itself with a 45° turn by cross-head screwdriver, thus meeting the requirements of the Machinery Directive 2006/42EC.

This single component thus combines the function of captive screw with captive cage nut, without the need for specialist installation equipment and reducing inventory SKU’s. The simple push and snap insertion is not only faster (by up to 90%) than threaded options, but also minimises risk of cross-threading and of damage to sensitive equipment in the installation process.

The SNAP-Joiner provides positive clamping action, thus compensating for applications where tight tolerances are difficult to achieve. The same technology is applicable to the entire 19” rack where we have found that with this D-Snap approach toolless assembly is possible complete with hinges, locks and handles. Each SNAPLINE® component is an integrated component with its two spring loaded wedge fittings which offer an installation which is comparable with the strength of traditional assembly methods.

Components in the range centre around the panel joining components which are so configured as to allow insertion (and removal) into blind or closed sections – the resulting rack cabinet may thus be extremely rigid with vibration proof fittings.

Each 19” rack of course requires the possibility for lockable and removable side panels which can be achieved with snap in ¼ turn locks while front/rear doors can be fitted with quarter-turn or swinghandles with D-SNAP® facilities where many standard hardware components are available in D-SNAP® options. This is exemplified by a new range of 180° cabinet hinges which are expected to be of interest for specialist panel builders and installers of electrical or electronic cabinets where full door opening is required, either for maximum door clearance, e.g. for insertion of equipment – or for access to the rear of the door. They may be used on standalone enclosures/racks or on suited style side-by-side installations.

Three versions are available – the traditional option with M5 cast in screws, with screws on one leaf and SNAP-LINE® fitting on the other leaf – or with SNAP-LINE® (D-SNAP®) technology on both leaves.

D-SNAP® technology enables assembly/dismantling without tools, screws or nuts, as well as being vibration proof. Not only is this system fast and easy to assemble – it is also a simple “blind” push-in fitting that does not require access from the rear – this often enables up to 90% savings in hinge assembly time.

Needless to say conventional panel fittings continue to be of great interest to manufacturers of electronic equipment of all sizes from plastic hinges for small boxes and housings to pin hinges for side doors or digital combination locks for low cost cabinet security. Typically smaller packaged and mobile equipment also requires recessed handles for manual handling and these traditional components are foreseen as continuing to fulfil the market need alongside their more sophisticated D-SNAP® variants.

Quick and smooth IP65 compression latch

29/11/2011

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 latch 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.

Please contact us for further information on this new product.

Snap-in low profile swinghandle

14/10/2011

The market for most products is truly global these days – so it is that this SNAP-LINE flat swinghandle originally designed for a US requirement is now available with many advantages for UK specialist panel builders. This small, low profile swinghandle is ideal for enclosures and control panels where its “no-tools” snap-in fitment and resistance to vibration will be much appreciated.

Features of this D-SNAP® technology unit include clamping ranges from 0.7mm to 5.3mm, LH and RH application and blind assembly, all in a low cost package which can save up to 90% of assembly time compared to other swinghandles. Fitment is by means of a simple 110x25mm cut-out – removal is also accomplished quickly and without tools.