Nuts and bolts have been integral parts of many products for so long the phrase has even been ingrained into the English language. Yet, these often-overlooked commodities continue to evolve to give engineers something that meets the needs of seemingly any design they can come up with. Latches are making even greater strides, employing electronics to improve security.
Color Coding Aids Identification
Metal/plastic access hardware from PEM features custom ABS cap colors for color-coding or matching. The color caps easily identify components or relate parts to equipment instructions. They can also match panel colors or simply enhance overall cosmetics. Cap color options include red, yellow, green, orange, blue and violet. Black ABS caps are standard.
This access hardware can be operated by tool or hand, working with slot, Phillips or slot/Phillips combination drives. They offer fully captive steel screws to keep loose parts to a minimum and eliminate risks associated with screws that otherwise could fall out and cause damage. Screw thread sizes range from #4-40 through #12-24 and M3 through M6. Varying lengths are available.
The line also includes ReelFast SMT surface mount panel fasteners, which mount on printed circuit boards before the automated reflow solder process.
Latch Adds Electronic Security
The E-Keeper adds electronic access security to a range of enclosures, letting users transition from mechanical to electronic access without complex software or hardware. Southco's electronic strike incorporates the electronic access action within the keeper instead of the latch, so it can be added to existing mechanical latch installations. When the E-Keeper unit is energized, the latch bolt momentarily retracts into the housing. The compact unit installs on the frame of the enclosure, so all wiring can be routed and protected within the enclosure. It can be combined with conventional security locks to permit access during power failures. The E-Keeper accepts input from RF key fobs, numeric keypads, mag-stripe card readers, biometric scanners and networked security systems.
Bolts Offer Torque Tension Control
Precote 85 from Nylok Corp. offers controlled torque-tension with few usage limitations. The fast-curing thread coating, designed for highly stressed bolts that require controlled torque/tension, has a low coefficient of friction 0.10 to 1.5. It maintains locking and sealing properties even at temperatures from -50 to 200C for 2,000 hours.
Turquoise-colored Precote 85 has been approved by automotive manufacturers. The dual microencapsulated epoxy-acrylate chemical adhesive won't prematurely harden due to chemical reactions of moisture and/or solvent penetration. It has high breakaway torque, even after repetitive exposures to high and low temperatures, and seals against pressures up to 400 bar (5,760 psi). The adhesive is also designed for electronics, telecommunications, aerospace and other high-tech industries.
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