Elesa indexing spring plungers with
safety rest position and security key operation

The humble indexing plunger from standard component specialists Elesa has acquired a new safety rest feature in their GN816 series and has gone further with the addition of a security key. Thus Elesa have ensured that the plunger cannot be inadvertently released when set to the rest position - so protecting the integrity of associated machinery. In addition the GN816B series provide the further security of a separate key needed to extend or release the plunger so that only approved operators may re-set the index.

Typical applications are expected to include: location of machinery equipment in manufacturing, security locking in furniture and component positioning of in-service equipment such as custom disability aids.

For further information regarding Elesa products, view website: www.elesanow.co.uk

Snap-in low profile swinghandle from FDB

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 brought to us by the good folks at FDB Panel Fittings who have spotted its 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 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.

For further information, view website: www.fdb.co.uk or twitter: http://twitter.com/fdbpanelfitting  Refer to page 201

Emka 180 degree stainless hinge suits larger cabinet doors

The 1110-U120-PH is a lift-off hinge from market leaders EMKA with simple screw fixing. Its clever design optimally maintains the integrity of cabinet doors - by requiring only screw hole punchings - not cut outs, and so usefully aids door rigidity. The strength comes from AISI 316 castings with fine-ground finish with a simple elegant design which enables rapid door removal by a simple lift-off process for installation of doors or for straightforward equipment maintenance.

EMKA 1110-U120-PH hinge program in stainless steel accommodates 26mm door returns with 180° opening. This is ideal for use on adjacently situated suites of cabinets in corrosive wash down environments or for harsher situations e.g. offshore installations where often larger and heavier doors are needed. Matching stainless steel L and T handles as well as swinghandles are available as are some 500 extruded rubber sealing profiles for door sealing.

EMKA's range of enclosure hardware includes electronic locking systems, stainless steel hinges, spanner locks, wing handle/locks, 19 inch cabinet locks, HVAC locks and profile sealing strips for enclosure sealing in natural rubber, EPDM, neoprene and PVC.

Further information on EMKA products and services may be found at: www.emka.co.uk where it is also possible to download their 3D CAD files and any part or the entire EMKA product catalogue.

Find the latest information and news on the EMKA blog - www.emkablog.co.uk

IP66 and IP65 sealing - more in demand than ever

As major players in the enclosure hardware market, EMKA are finding increasing demand from specialist panel builders for sealing to IP66 and IP65. Higher levels of sealing are now sought from components such as spanner locks, wing handles, stainless steel hinges and extruded profile "rubber" gaskets in materials such as EPDM, neoprene and PVC.

Explains EMKA M.D. Andy Billingham: "A generally higher specification requirement is being demanded in the industry for common items such as quarter-turn locks for outdoor enclosures, also for rail and tunnel applications.

This extends to a greater demand for stainless steel locks and hinges where EMKA have a comprehensive range.

IP66 as a performance aspiration leader is closely followed by demand for IP65 - often seen as a halfway house between IP66 and the more commonplace IP55 or IP54 ratings."

Typically EMKA have addressed the matter directly with a range of IP66 items such as the Program 1000 quarter-turn locks which are complemented by hinges for flush and lay-on doors as well as extruded profile sealing gasket for doors and glazing of panel windows.

Following closely behind this headline rating of IP66 locks is IP65 which is now commonly available especially in stainless steel, since sealing, corrosion resistance and ruggedness frequently go hand in hand as requirements. EMKA's stainless steel range of quarter-turn clocks, wing knobs, T and L handles, and swinghandles are all IP65 as standard and matched with rod lock mechanisms and hinges also in stainless steel.

Compression technology now widely available enables specialist OEMs to "raise their game" on sealing while conferring a high level of vibration resistance - they are also available in stainless steel. An excellent example is the new Program 1000 "Compression Lift-and-Turn" swinghandle style of compression latches which are expected to be of particular value for closure of cabinets/enclosures, especially in air-conditioning or vehicle equipment access situations, as well as other similar applications which require substantial opportunity for adjustment.

These new flush fitting compression latches feature extensive adjustment of cam position as well as a variety of matching shaft lengths and cam bends to adjust both overall depth and tightness of pull onto the gasket. This enables great flexibility in fitment, while standard security options include locking, non-locking and tool operation. Single screw saddle clamp fitment accommodates up to 6mm panel thickness with a grip range from 6mm to 56mm dependant upon cam selected and provides 6mm of gasket pull down. Material is die cast, finished in black powder coat, polished chrome or satin chrome.

Further information on EMKA products and services ,e-mail: emka@emka.co.uk or view website: www.emka.co.uk where it is also possible to download any part or the entire EMKA product catalogue. Refer to page 201

Rocfast lock assembly service from FDB Panel Fittings

FDB's Rocfast program is a new service which is expected to save time, money and mistakes by offering quality locks assembled and delivered direct from the Panel Fittings experts at FDB - including all major market leading industry brands. The FDB 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. The FDB expert team rapidly identify the optimum specification of components then order, assemble and deliver to site, to workshop or to metal former/subcontractor in line with their 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 tradition 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.

For further information on the FDB Rocfast program, view website: www.rocfast.co.uk

For further information, view website: www.fdb.co.uk or twitter: http://twitter.com/fdbpanelfitting  Refer to page 201

Fixed and revolving - Elesa handles the lot!

Standard component specialists Elesa are proud of their 60 plus range of handles for manual machine operation. Such handles vary from small knurled knobs for instrument adjustment, to ball end knobs and cylindrical handles for lever arms or actuating levers and for clamping functions. Each family is available in many sizes to match all kinds of industrial, manufacturing and instrumentation requirement.

They are particularly suitable for applications on fitness machines, tools and machines for gardening and goods transport, high-precision instruments and disability aids.

Elesa's fixed and revolving handles are offered in a variety of tough materials resistant to the many solvents and cleaning materials  encountered in machine environments such as production floor, disability equipment or agricultural operations. Typically, handles are manufactured in polyamide based technopolymer or high resilience polypropylene based technopolymer (for greater comfort), also phenolic based Duroplast and mirror polished aluminium. Lever arms are chrome plated steel with Duroplast knobs or handles.

For further information regarding Elesa products, view website: www.elesanow.co.uk