Forming part of our Rocfast assembly service, we have recently published the first in our Knowledge Base series of helpful guides. The Lock Assembly Guide has been designed to explain in simple steps, with easily understood diagrams and reference tables, how to select the correct product code of housing, insert and cam to suit individual enclosure requirements.

Its companion Cam Selection Guide gives additional detail on types and sizes of tabs available for standard quarter-turn locks – also available to download from www.fdb.co.uk/rocfast

It is intended that use of the Lock Assembly Guide and the Cam Selection Guide will ease the specification process for design engineers – who may wish to assemble for themselves during production – or may otherwise wish to take advantage of the Rocfast lock assembly and logistics service. This service take the “heavy lifting” out of lock component selection, assembly and delivery with appropriate packaging if desired, and if the installation calls for it, separate deliveries of keys/barrels/tabs in production packs to a specified delivery schedule.

We are glad to hear that UK manufacturing industry is on a recovery path and that means that engineers are likely to be short of time to sort out the complexities of details such as enclosure hardware specifications. Fortunately that is something we do every day – from lock tabs and keys to gasket types and hinge specs – we have experienced people able to help save customers time and money from their expertise on enclosure hardware accessories, plus of course our Rocfast pre-assembly and logistics service.

The knowledge base here at FDB is one of the most extensive and experienced available – we would love to put it to service for you – so contact us to discuss the parameters of your next enclosure project – or watch this space for details of our Knowledge Base data sheets presently under development for easy download.

Our new compression lock design offers the convenience of a wing knob for operation together with the security of a padlockable facility. Applications are expected to include outdoor enclosures for electrical and telecoms installations.

This new wing handle 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. Turning the wing knob brings the latch bar into its ‘closed’ position, then draws up the bar by 6mm against the seal. This is achieved as the knob 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 an overall grip range of 47-60mm of depth adjustment. The lock body is chromium-plated as standard or optionally black powder-coated. A variety of alternative latch bars are available.

See here for further information and data sheet.

We are delighted to now offer an IP65 quarter-turn spanner lock that can only be opened by use of a special non-standard key. This specialist lock is provided with a FIAT insert making it ideal for situations where a conventional lock could be easily opened by unauthorised persons using readily available keys or simple tools. Typically this includes manufacturing environments or controls of service equipment where only qualified service engineers are permitted access to electrical/electronic enclosures or service access panels.

We have also found that the FIAT spanner lock is ideal as a retro-fit to enhance security on existing equipment by virtue of its industry standard 20mm rounded square cutout installation. Other features include 90° cam rotation, LH and RH application, 90° stepped key removal, availability of multiple depth cams, as well as a 3 point cam for rod activation, and black or chrome finish. Contact us for more details.

Locks with single point cams can now be readily converted to multi-point actuation with our new adapter, which fits under the existing cam on typical quarter-turn locks. This enables rod lock systems to be attached either retrospectively or in order to simplify stock holding – where one lock can be held for both single and 2 or 3 point closure systems.

This system also offers the further possibility of an additional rod for operating an internal cut-off switch. The multi-point cam adapter is suitable for quarter turn locks and swinghandles, thus spanning the range of medium sized wall mounted enclosures through to large cabinets for electrical or electronic controls, telecoms etc. Fitment is simple – involving removal of the existing single point cam which then sits inside the adapter and is replaced with a standard screw giving a simple quick and cost effective solution.

Our intriguingly named “pignose bung lock” may just be the ultimate in vandal-resistant quarter-turn locks for roadside cabinets or other publicly accessible cabinets that need to stay secure.

The “pignose bung” is secured into place with a two pronged key which ensures that the inner lock is protected; while the rugged AISI 303 stainless steel body and bung offer little in the way of opportunity for vandals. Legitimate access is simply gained by removing the bung with its special key and using a normal key to turn the recessed hexagonal insert-with-pin. Both 90° and 180° rotation options are available on the “pig nosed bung lock”.

We 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

In line with our “panel fittings for every enclosure” philosophy the team here at FDB have launched the new NRT series IP65 latch from Giussani with an attractive rectangular bezel. This is suited to electrical/electronic cabinets and specialist equipment such as machine access panels and HVAC installations.

The NRT quarter-turn is moulded in self-extinguishing UL94 V-0 polyamide with the Giussani patented Box Rapid push fit system and silicone gasket. The NRT body can be fitted with a wide range of lock inserts and a cam in either zinc plated steel or polyamide as required. Fitting is via an industry standard 20.1mm x 22.5mm cut out in 1mm to 2mm sheet – left or right hand operation is available.

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.