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FDB Rocfast as a specification and assembly tool

As explained by Gary Miles, our MD the Rocfast Assembly and Logistics service is an important service tool in the armoury of specialist panel builders – for hardware required to suit enclosures and cabinets. Knowing which components can work together and how to assemble them can be a significant stumbling block in correctly specifying and equipping a custom panel.

With much experience in this area, the team here at FDB Panel Fittings are capable of guiding design engineers and supply chain managers, through the complex choices of components and then arranging delivery of the items required in batches to suit production numbers and to the location of choice – whether workshop or installation site. Thus, saving time and money while ensuring enhanced customer service to the end user.

The system allows specifying engineers to call the Rocfast team and discuss the project hardware needs e.g. type and size of quarter turn lock or latch coupled and sealing requirement, with hinge type and gasket section. – body length, insert, sealing gasket, tab length and offset, tab closure options, earthing washer, key type etc. thus saving a great deal of shop floor time. We also offer data sheets to help engineers through this process on their own.

Once the specification is concluded the logistics side of Rocfast can manage supply batches and production kits in alignment with manufacturing and/or installation requirements to workshop or on-site on a global basis if needed.

For more information on how Rocfast can streamline your lock assembly needs, visit www.fdb.co.uk/rocfast/ or contact FDB Panel Fittings today

Spanner Locks from FDB Panel Fittings

Spanner Locks are solid, simple, inexpensive door security equipment usually with a good degree of sealing and protection. Ours are IP65 in zinc die and chrome with a choice of inserts – square , triangular or double bar. Standard cams are flat but please ask if you need another style.

So when you need a Spanner Lock you can find a selection at our Online store, stocked and ready for urgent delivery.

Rocfast assembly and logistics – the process

At a time when efficiency and cost savings are paramount, we are proud to announce the Rocfast customer service program. Designed to save time, reduce costs, and eliminate ordering errors, Rocfast guides engineers and buyers through the complete process of lock specification, component matching, ordering, assembly, packaging, and worldwide logistics—delivering directly to site.

The FDB Rocfast program specializes in lock assemblies, covering all major industry brands. By simplifying the typically complex process of specifying and assembling individual lock components, Rocfast removes the burden of self-assembly and ensures that customers receive a fully assembled solution tailored to their needs. Whether delivering to a site, workshop, or metal former/subcontractor, Rocfast aligns with the FDB team’s commitment to providing “Panel Fittings for Every Enclosure.”

Rocfast supports a wide range of ¼ turn locks, complete with matching keys and optional IP-rated sealing. The service also includes traditional L or T handles, swinghandles, and compression locks. Additionally, standard latch inserts can be upgraded to handle inserts, such as T-handles, L-handles, Star Knobs, and Wing Knobs, catering to various industry requirements. For dusty environments, FDB offers dust caps and finger pulls for easy panel access.

To further enhance security and stability, Rocfast provides serrated lock washers to prevent loosening, and earth (grounding) nuts designed to cut through painted surfaces for reliable electrical connections. Customers benefit from a simple four-step selection process: Pick your housing – Pick your insert – Pick your cam – and receive a fully assembled, ready-to-install lock.

For more information on how Rocfast can streamline your lock assembly needs, visit www.fdb.co.uk/rocfast/ or contact FDB Panel Fittings today.

Sugatsune magnetic catches

Sugatsune magnetic catches from our Online store are great for confined spaces where their strong magnetic closure offers a clean external appearance with minimal intrusion into the internal space of the enclosure or door.

This Sugatsune range of neodymium magnetic catches stand out for their high performance and very neat design.

They are often liked because their density and strength allow incredibly thin magnetic catches to be produced like the MC159. At less than 3mm thick it is an easy to fit closure device which does not disrupt the integrity of your design. Perfect for sheet metal applications it can also be utilised in furniture production where the ample 4kg force will keep large doors closed. A lower strength version, the MC-158 has the same great looks but lesser strength at 1.5kg for those light weight applications, at the other end of the scale an 8kg force version has also recently been introduced.

 

FDB Panel Fittings hinge selection

It is worth reflecting on the many types of hinges available for industrial and office use – including those for concealed/internal fitting and others for external mounting. Enclosures with doors flush to frame and others with doors protruding require different designs – each may be bolted/screwed on or rivited or welded.

Pinet stainless steel friction hinges from FDB Panel Fittings

Materials vary from raw steel, plated steel, zinc diecast natural or coated, plastic hinges are now quite rugged and corrosion resistant of course while stainless steel hinges are still the top level of quality and are becoming more popular.

Aluminium spring hinges from FDB Panel Fittings with friction or detent design

Specialist hinges now include damping, piano, detent, friction, heavy duty and architectural – we are delighted to offer a wide selection Online for rapid delivery.

Monorail Mass-Transit system in Singapore,

As the UK’s construction and infrastructure projects continue to grow, FDB Electrical Online is proud to announce an extensive range of enclosed electrical protection devices. These high-performance solutions are designed for industrial and commercial sites, utilities, healthcare facilities, military and civilian airfields, and rail applications, ensuring safe and reliable electrical protection – in addition specialist custom panels are available to order for new or retro-fit projects.

This fully enclosed protection equipment includes the FDB2 Modular Multi-Way RCBO, the FDB11 and FDB13 series general-purpose RCDs, and the home/office-approved FDB21 “Interruptible” RCD/MCB. Additionally, the FDB27 unit provides specialized protection for Ground Support Equipment in RAF and RNAS hangars. For system customization, panel builders can integrate remote core transformers, universal earth leakage protection relays, multi-function RCDs, and earth fault monitors into their own designs.

FDB Electrical FDB19/STS provides ship to shore power for landing craft

With urgent availability from our online store, the FDB11, FDB13, FDB2, and FDB21 units offer robust electrical protection for diverse applications. These products are available in steel, GRP, or stainless-steel enclosures, ensuring durability in harsh environments both above and below ground. Thour expert technical advisory service is also available to assist with specialized requirements.

A key focus is the range of Network Rail-approved DC immune protection devices, including the FDB2 Multiway RCBO, which provides 2, 3, or 4-way multi-circuit protection. Similarly, the FDB11 offers general-purpose RCD protection up to 100A. These units, featuring solid-state electronic circuitry, provide stability and prevent spurious tripping in DC electrified environments.

Specialised solutions extend to international projects such as the Monorail Mass-Transit system in Singapore, where EFU50 DC protection units safeguard station equipment. Additionally, FDB19/STS power supply units have been deployed by the Royal Marines for offshore pontoon operations, ensuring secure electrical connections for landing craft.

For over 50 years, FDB Electrical has been a leader in electrical protection, supplying innovative solutions to industrial, commercial, and defence sectors. This extensive range of RCDs, earth leakage relays, and toroidal CTs supports custom-built panels and bespoke solutions tailored to unique project needs.

Electrical power and safety components

Our Online store now has a selection of proven high-quality components to enable electrical engineers to produce their own electrical earth monitoring and safety equipment as part of new or upgrade projects.

The range includes Multi-function RCDs, Earth Fault monitors, Earth Line monitors, Earth Leakage monitor, Remote/external CTs, Earth Leakage protection relays, analogue Ameter and an End-of-line terminator with diode for use with EMGARD earth line monitors and VELEM (EFU61 & EFU62) in a 35mm din-rail mounting.

High quality hinges for electronic enclosures

Here at Panel Fittings we are pleased to announce our comprehensive range of premium hinges designed to enhance the functionality and protection of enclosures across a wide variety of applications. From consumer electronics to large industrial cabinets, FDB’s hinges ensure secure access, durability, and smooth operation. Key benefits include easy maintenance, tamper-resistance, and long-term reliability, even in the harshest environments. Whether you need corrosion-resistant materials for outdoor enclosures or lightweight options for portable units, FDB has the perfect solution for every electronic enclosure need.

Offering a broad selection of hinge types, including butt, continuous, concealed and lift-off, FDB ensures a tailored solution for every design requirement. With materials like stainless steel, aluminum, and zinc-plated steel, these hinges provide exceptional performance under challenging conditions, including exposure to moisture, temperature extremes, and high-frequency use. Lift-off hinges offer quick access for maintenance, while concealed hinges provide a clean, tamper-resistant look for high-security applications.

With over 50 years of expertise and products from trusted brands like Enclosure Solutions/Barker Nelson, FDB provides industry-leading solutions to safeguard valuable electronic components and ensure long-lasting performance.

FDB L and T handle locks

From control panels to charging stations here at FDB we offer a truly specialist service for related hardware needs including products from many of the top international manufacturers plus our own electrical protection and monitoring series. Industrial controls and distribution call for widely varying enclosures and cabinets with appropriate hardware elements which we offer at our Online store for rapid ordering and delivery.

So whether your enclosure project is for rail, MOD, production line, special vehicles, street furniture or HVAC we can offer locks, hinges, gasket, stays, rod-locks, swinghandles and so much more, topped off with our time and cost-saving Rocfast assembly and logistics service. So contact our experienced and helpful team to discuss your needs for new or refurbishment projects.

FDB cabinet and enclosure handles

The field of enclosure and cabinet hardware is quite established and is one where development occurs through constant evolution in response to customer feedback and the changing demands of extensive application types. This is a process which can creep up on engineers who have a more technical focus, so FDB Panel Fittings see their role as one of informing about important changes in products and service.

In this spirit their MD Gary Miles would like to discuss the present situation. For example, the team at FDB Panel Fittings have calculated that they carry over 116,000 possible combinations of standard components available ex stock at their Online store – clearly there are other suppliers in a similar situation. The product list includes quarter turn lock bodies in zinc die chrome, zinc die black, polyamide black, and 316 stainless steel.  As well as supplying standard inserts, there are inserts which turn a standard quarter-turn latch/lock into one with a handle. These include T-Handles, L-Handles, Star Knobs and Wing Knobs in various styles, plus for locks used in dusty environments they offer dust caps, and finger pulls for easy opening of panels – also multiple types of tabs and cams.

With sophisticated ergonomic design, L and T handles come easily to hand and are comfortable to use. Their leverage allows the operation of internal rod systems for multi-point gasket sealing and added security, which is increasingly important for the protection of sophisticated digital process controls. Also available are wing-knob inserts which function as smaller variants for wall-mounted enclosures. Likewise, standard “spanner lock” style inserts for quarter turns enable the use of an extended handle key, which provide enhanced leverage in situations where a larger fixed handle is not appropriate.

These modern variants of proven traditional L and T designs are convenient and natural in feeling during operation, excellent in larger spaces, and suit floor standing cabinets and large enclosures. They are available in polyamide, zinc die chrome and black powder coat, plus in polished stainless steel with a wide selection carried in stock for urgent delivery to customers production facilities or project sites.

Concealed hinges – stainless steel ex-stock from FDB Panel Fittings

Typically, an enclosure hardware stock profile includes many hinges for concealed use on enclosures and cabinets whether as screwed-on types or for welding prior to paint. Other types are suitable for storage cabinets or for thick doors where they may be fitted into the door edge.

Sealing with a gasket profile is generally necessary to ensure conformity with standard IP levels of protection against the ingress of dust/water. Traditional P-type sections and self-adhesive closed-cell foam are commonly available as are edge protectors and sections for inspection windows. This covers a wide range of gasket sealing profiles for enclosures and cabinets including channel fitting and edge clip-on profile sections predominantly supplied in coiled lengths for easy use in production/installation environments.

FDB enclosure door gasket seals

As an alternative, Swinghandles for cabinets and large enclosures have established themselves as a stylish space saving solution to the provision of low-profile locking, with good leverage for multi-point rod locking systems. It is worth considering the range of options they offer for inserts or locks, with one or two keys, padlocking options and remote electronic security. Materials for swinghandles now include polyamide, zinc die and stainless steel with common ratings of IP65 or better which will suit the great majority of applications.

The needs of specialist panel builders have called forth services such as the FDB Rocfast assembly and logistics program which focuses on lock assembly including all major industry brands – and is designed to take the hard work out of an ordering process that often requires specification of individual lock components, and time consuming self-assembly prior to installation. In this way customers may utilise the skills of an expert team to rapidly identify the optimum specification of components, then to order, assemble and deliver to site, to workshop or to metal former/installation subcontractor.