Productivity improvement is a major trend in new fastening technology. Often overlooked in initial design considerations, assembly technology has the opportunity to make or break the economics of a new product on the manufacturing floor. New technology introduced by major fastener suppliers shows a dramatic increase in productivity. For example, a new Captive-Joiner approach from DIRAK combines functionality in a single component, easing installation, as well as supply chain issues, such as inventory.
Key Codes Clarified
The Key-Choice System provides the ability to install lock cores at multiple points throughout the manufacturing and distribution supply chain in order to eliminate the complexity of tracking key code assignments. It also provides a more attractive and practical alternative than using external padlocks to manage key codes. By separating the key code specification decision from the latch specification decision, the Southco system offers flexible options for managing security. It encompasses a wide variety of latch styles including compression latches, push-to-close latches, cam latches, cam locks and multi-point latches in order to accommodate the physical demands of diverse applications. Yet, each latch style accepts the identical range of lock core options.
Self-Clinching Fasteners
Installation is said to be quick and simple with a new family of PEM floating self-clinching fasteners for permanent installation into thin stainless-steel sheets. The fasteners can be specified either with non-locking or locking threads and will permit up to .030 inch/0.76 mm total adjustment for mating-hole misalignment.
Non-locking Type A4 and self-locking Type LA4 fasteners provide load-bearing threads in stainless sheets as thin as .038 inch/0.97 mm and greater with hardness of HRB 88 on the Rockwell B scale. Available thread sizes range from #4-40 through #10-32 and M3 through M5. All clinching occurs on the fastener side of the sheet, which allows the sheet to remain flush on one side. The fastener is permanently locked in place, exhibits high torque-out and push-out resistance and becomes an integral part of the stainless assembly. Mating hardware completes final component attachment.
Simplified Captive System
The new Captive-Joiner combines the function of the captive screw and nut/cagenut in a single component design, reducing installation costs. Disengaging panels is achieved by turning a knob 45 degrees. The fastener can then be reinstalled quickly with a single push, according to DIRAK. The knob design eliminates the need for a separate handle. The simple system is said to reduce the risk of damage to sensitive electronic equipment housed inside the enclosure. The Captive-Joiner fits standard cut-outs of 19-inch racks. DIRAK also says the secure attachment to the panel eliminates the possibility of the fastener disengaging when vibrations are extreme.
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