I know we talk a lot about customer service – its what we do after all – so it was brilliant to get this feedback out of the blue :-
” I would just like to thank you very much for FDB’s help over the past few weeks. All the staff have been extremely efficient, helpful and friendly” from one of our UK Panel Builder customers.
So whether you need standard locks, latches, handles, swinghandles, hinges or gasket – or something more custom in the way of panel fittings - we will do our best for you – and if you need a custom service package of specification, assembly and logistics then we can do that too under our Rocfast banner which has customer service at it’s heart.
We are pleased to be able to provide greater security swinghandles for electrical/electronic/telco cabinets – these IP65 swinghandles are especially designed for applications where security is a significant concern, specifically in situations where cabinets are exposed and accessible to the general public and for outdoor installations exposed to the weather where IP65 dust/water sealing is important.
They feature electro-mechanical operation with anti-vandal design features and reinforced construction such that they comply with the European DIN V ENV 1630 Class II standard security test. This standard relates to the resistance level of doors against force using tools of class WK2, e.g. screwdrivers, pliers and wedges. Two versions are available, one with single lock cylinder and the other with dual cylinders to permit opening with either one of two keys.
Operation requires a power supply to the swinghandle or mechanical activation which may be provided under control of an existing central access management system, so enabling maintenance of an event log and update of access protocols. An LED indicates when the handle is ready to be opened and stays in that condition for 20 seconds with locked/unlocked status displayed on the LED.
Mechanical anti-vandal features include: exceptionally fine gaps/tolerances to prevent insertion of tools, reinforced edges, additional latch bolt, reinforced dust cover and availability of specialist 40 and 45mm profile lock cylinders.
Share the post "Vandal resistant swinghandle – IP65"
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.
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.
Share the post "FLAT PACK ENCLOSURES WITH SNAP-LINE®"
We now have well over 100 standard handles available in a wide range of styles and materials and can manufacture to any specification, in any material, to any finish and deliver in Rocfast production packs to simplify your logistics and save you time and money in assembly or installation. For portable equipment and vehicular applications there is a range of robust, moulded grab rails and handles with integral steel cores and attractive textured finish, while lightweight polyamide handles with external or concealed fixings are ideal for portable equipment, floor safes and access panels – and are readily available from stock.
The Rocfast program is a new service which we expect to save time, money and mistakes by offering quality locks assembled and delivered direct from our Panel Fittings experts here at FDB – including all major market leading industry brands. The Rocfast lock assembly service is designed to take the hard work out of an order process that often requires specification of individual lock components and time consuming self-assembly prior to installation. Our expert team will rapidly identify the optimum specification of components then order, assemble and deliver to site, to workshop or to metal former/subcontractor in line with our theme of providing “Panel Fittings for every Enclosure”.
The Rocfast service includes all ¼ turn favourites with appropriate keys, with IP rated sealing if required, with cams of all types, traditional L or T handles, swinghandles and compression locks as applicable. The Rocfast assembly program can efficiently deal with modern modular component systems or traditional single kit formats and with one-off or scheduled program deliveries as well as separate packaging of locks/backnuts/keys etc to suit logistical requirements. Further information on the FDB Rocfast program can be found at: www.rocfast.co.uk also contact us to consult our experts on your installation needs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Welcome to our news blog – covering the range and use of FDB Panel Fittings for industries including manufacturing, industrial, electrical, controls, electronics, telecommunications, marine and many more – infact “ for every enclosure “.
For your convenience please use the tags below to find further information.
Share the post "FDB Panel Fittings for Every Enclosure"
I know we talk a lot about customer service – its what we do after all – so it was brilliant to get this feedback out of the blue :-
We now have well over 100 
