Fastener producers are pushing hard to develop technology that allows engineers to reduce assembly costs.
For example, the PEM Cost Savings Program introduces a free service to assist companies in potentially reducing their total "assembled cost" of products and designs. Program teams will completely disassemble any supplied product and document every procedural step in writing and with photographs as evidence.
When the investigation is concluded, a comprehensive and confidential report is developed and submitted with recommendations to help improve overall assembly costs. Strategies may include reductions in loose hardware, production steps, and/or assembly time, among others.
INTERNAL SPACE SAVINGS
DIRAK's new 3-310 Swinghandle FS Offset-Duo saves space inside an enclosure. The stylized, low-profile design of this new swinghandle reduces protrusion off the enclosure door as well as on the inside panel of the door so it does not interfere with tight quarters inside enclosures. The swinghandle gear actuates a slider that controls the closing mechanism. This mechanism is offset from the main body of the swinghandle. This design eliminates the space-consuming wide rod-latch mechanism found in standard swinghandles. The new 3-310 swinghandle uses just 30 mm of space between the door edge and gasket.
SPRING-LOADED ACCESS
PEM C.A.P.S. access
hardware incorporates a captive screw and plastic colored cap in a
spring-loaded assembly to promote secure attachment and enable later
access. Captive-screw design reduces
parts count, minimizes handling issues, and prevents screws from falling out or
damaging internal components. The
fasteners are offered in self-clinching, flaring, and floating mounting styles
to install permanently in a wide range of panel materials of varying hardness.
These panel fasteners meet EC Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.
INTEGRATED ELECTRONIC SOLUTION
The Southco R4-EM electronic rotary latch combines security and electronic access in an integrated system. Unlike a standard mechanical latch linked with a separate solenoid actuator, the gear-motor drive in the R4-EM delivers a better feel to latch actuation and requires lower power requirements and higher load capability. Target applications include storage compartments on truck, bus, off-highway, construction, and agricultural vehicles, RV baggage doors, and storage compartments or access doors on medical, electronics, self-service, and industrial equipment.
